The protests began on Monday, as hundreds of farmers converged on the city's center, blocking major roads and highways with their tractors. The demonstrations have continued throughout the day, with police struggling to maintain order and keep the protesters at bay.
Protests Intensify, Police Scramble to Respond
As the protests escalated, police were forced to deploy tear gas and water cannons to try and disperse the crowds. However, the farmers showed little signs of backing down, instead using their tractors to create barricades and block police access to the area.
The government has promised to hold talks with the farmers, but many are skeptical of the proposed deal's benefits. They claim that the deal will allow cheaper imports of food and other goods, putting their livelihoods at risk.
Farmers' Concerns Center on Proposed Trade Deal
The proposed trade deal, which is set to be signed later this year, would eliminate tariffs on a range of goods, including food and agricultural products. While the government claims this will benefit consumers and boost trade, many farmers are concerned that it will lead to a collapse in prices and a decline in their income.
The farmers are also concerned about the impact of the deal on rural communities, which they claim will be disproportionately affected by the changes. They argue that the deal will lead to a loss of jobs and a decline in the quality of life for rural residents.
Government Promises Talks, But Farmers Remain Skeptical
The government has promised to hold talks with the farmers to address their concerns, but many are skeptical of the proposed deal's benefits. They claim that the government has not done enough to address their concerns and that the deal will ultimately harm their livelihoods.
The protests are expected to continue throughout the week, with many farmers planning to stay in the city until their demands are met. The government has promised to respond to their concerns, but it remains to be seen whether the demonstrations will lead to any concrete changes.
As the protests continue, the government is under increasing pressure to respond to the farmers' concerns. With the proposed trade deal set to be signed later this year, time is running out for the government to address the issues at hand.