One year after reforms, Indian farmers continue protest movement
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One year ago, India's parliament passed a series of laws aimed at reforming the country's agricultural system. The move was supposed to allow farmers, especially those cultivating wheat and rice, to sell their products to private companies without going through local markets. But what was meant to be a revolution for Prime Minister Narendra Modi has turned into the longest and biggest peasant protest since the country's independence nearly 75 years ago.
For months, thousands of Indian farmers have expressed their opposition to the reforms. Negotiations between the unions and the government have stalled. And on the eve of crucial regional elections in the north of the country, these laws – now suspended but not repealed – have put the ruling BJP in a tricky situation. A national strike has been called for Monday September 27, exactly one year after the legislation was adopted. Our correspondents report.
Programme prepared by Olivia Bizot
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