CANTON, Mich. (WXYZ) — A protest was held in Canton Saturday to support protesting farmers in India.
The Associated Press reports that farmers have been protesting new agriculture laws for nearly two months in Punjab and Haryana states — where they have been blocking key highways.
The situation escalated last week when tens of thousands of them marched to the Indian capital, where they clashed with police who used tear gas, water cannons and batons against them.
The farmers say the laws passed in September will lead the government to stop buying grain at minimum guaranteed prices and result in exploitation by corporations who will push down prices.
The laws add to already existing resentment from farmers, who often complain of being ignored by the government in their push for better crop prices, additional loan waivers and irrigation systems to guarantee water during dry spells.
The government has argued the laws bring about necessary reform that will allow farmers to market their produce and boost production through private investment.
The farmers have since camped along at least five major highways on the outskirts of New Delhi and have said they won’t leave until the government rolls back what they call “black laws.”
The protest was held at Heritage Park in Canton on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 1 p.m.
