Scuffles break out as India farmers protest new laws
Farmers' leaders accused local police and politicians of instigating skirmishes at the northern site to turn sentiment against them after thousands of farmers marched overnight to reinforce colleagues camping out on the outskirts of New Delhi.
The protesting farmers want the government to withdraw three new farm laws that they say will hurt their livelihoods for the benefit of large private produce buyers.
In a stand-off between riot police and the farmers, authorities on Thursday (January 28) night tried to clear a protest site in the city's east but most farmers refused to move and large numbers joined them. Their leaders said any retreat would constitute surrender.
