Indian farmers opposed to new reform laws have vowed to go ahead with nation-wide protests on Wednesday despite warnings that it would accelerate the already out of control coronavirus epidemic, which has infected nearly 27 million people and killed 307,000 by the latest official count. Farmers unions said they were determined to go ahead with their demonstration to mark six months of strike action against legislation they say will benefit only rich corporations.
Despite rounds of talks with the government last year, farmers, largely from the food-growing states of Punjab and Haryana, have rejected the laws as potentially exploitative.
The government says the legislation will bring private investment into India’s antiquated farm sector and shore up the livelihood of millions dependent on agriculture.
“We will mark Wednesday as a black day for democracy,” a farm union spokesman told TV stations and added the day-long protest will be staged across India.
Credit: rfi.fr
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