Title: Thousands of farmers march to Indian capital defying tear gas | India News | Al Jazeera
Headings: Thousands of farmers march to Indian capital defying tear gas
Thousands of farmers march to Indian capital defying tear gas
‘Not acceptable’
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Extraordinary scenes
‘Rushed through the farm bills’

Content: Thousands of farmers march to Indian capital defying tear gas | India News | Al Jazeera
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Thousands of farmers march to Indian capital defying tear gas
Farmers are protesting against new laws passed by Modi government, which they fear will benefit corporations. Television footage showed plumes of smoke and some people throwing stones at police as thousands pressed against barricades, waving flags and sticks [Danish Siddiqui/Reuters]
Thousands of farmers have entered the capital New Delhi for a planned protest against new farm laws hours after the police fired several rounds of tear gas and used water cannon to stop the Dilli Chalo (Go to Delhi) march. Protesting Indian farmers scuffled with police earlier on Friday during the march to the capital, against new laws, which will make it easier for farmers to sell their produce directly to private buyers and enter into a contract with private companies. But farmers demand the bills, passed by India’s parliament in September, be scrapped fearing the laws will leave them vulnerable to big corporates. A Delhi Police spokesperson confirmed to Al Jazeera the farmers have been given permission to enter the national capital and hold a peaceful protest at the Nirankari Samagam Ground in the Burari area. “The farmers have been granted permission to enter Delhi. They can protest peacefully in a ground in Burari area” Anil Mittal, Additional PRO (Delhi Police), told Al Jazeera. A police officer fires tear gas to stop farmers from entering the national capital [Danish Siddiqui/Reuters]
However, farmers from several states and trade unions, who wanted to stage protest in the Ramlila ground in the heart of the city, have yet to comment if they would agree to the new venue. Television footage showed plumes of smoke and some people throwing stones at police as thousands pressed against barricades, waving flags and sticks. Some rode tractors near the barriers.