India Police blocks roads to stop farmers disrupting budget day

Indian police and paramilitary have blocked roads leading to the capital, New Delhi to prevent protesting farmers from entering as the finance minister prepares to deliver the government’s annual budget in parliament.

The security forces dug ditches and spread razor wire across main roads into the capital on Monday, while internet and messaging services were blocked in several neighbourhoods on the outskirts where protests turned violent week.

Security has also been stepped up around parliament and other important government offices in the central district.

A farmers’ procession turned violent on Jan. 26, when India celebrated its Republic Day with a military parade, as some protesters broke away from a rally of tractors to storm into the historic Red Fort complex after breaking through barricades and clashing with police.

The farmers want the government to withdraw three new farm laws introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government in September which they say will hurt their livelihoods and benefit large private produce buyers.

The government says the reforms will open up new opportunities for farmers and it has invited farmer leaders for fresh talks to end the deadlock.

Although Modi remains India’s most popular politician, his standing in the rural areas, where most Indians live, could be damaged by his handling to the farmers’ two-month-old agitation.

Reuters