NEW DELHI: Indian farmers, protesting against new agriculture laws for more than two months, began a daylong hunger strike today (Saturday) as they sought to reaffirm the peaceful nature of their movement following recent violent clashes with police that left one dead and hundreds injured.
Meanwhile, the Indian government has also blocked mobile internet services in several areas surrounding New Delhi. India’s interior ministry said on Saturday internet services at three locations on the outskirts of New Delhi had been suspended to maintain public safety.
Farm leaders said Saturday’s hunger strike — which coincides with the death anniversary of Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi — would show Indians that the protesters were overwhelmingly peaceful.
“The farmers’ movement was peaceful and will be peaceful,” said Darshan Pal, a leader of the farm unions organising the protests. “The events on January 30 will be organised to spread the values of truth and non-violence,” he added.
Tens of thousands of farmers have been camped on the edge of New Delhi since November, seeking the repeal of laws passed in September that they say will favor large agribusiness and corporations.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his allies say the laws are necessary to modernize Indian agriculture. Multiple rounds of talks between the two sides have been unsuccessful.
The protests had largely been peaceful but violence erupted on Tuesday, India’s Republic Day, when tens of thousands of farmers riding tractors and marching on foot knocked out police barricades and stormed New Delhi’s 17th century Red Fort. The clashes left one protester dead and nearly 400 police officers injured.
