Tens Of Thousands Join India Farmers’ Protests In Uttar Pradesh

Tens of thousands of farmers have gathered in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh to protest against new agriculture laws. Local police put the number at over half a million, while Newsmen on the ground said at least 50,000 farmers and supporters took part.

Organisers described the rally as the biggest protest since their movement began last November and the farmers want state authorities to repeal controversial farm legislation

For days, buses and tractors have been ferrying farmers into the city of Muzaffarnagar, sparking a major security operation.

Meanwhile, the Indian government says the laws, which loosen rules around how farmers can sell their produce, will give farmers more freedom.

But opponents say the reforms leave small farmers vulnerable to big corporations.

Thousands of protesters, brandishing flags and wearing coloured caps, spilled onto the streets of Muzaffarnagar on Sunday, with leaders pledging to occupy all roads in a 20km radius around the city.

Thousands of police officers were keeping guard on streets leading to the event.

Protest leaders said the rally in Uttar Pradesh, where farming is critical to livelihoods, would reenergise the movement.

The farmers are calling for a nationwide strike on 27 September to protest against the laws.