Farmers To Block Delhi-Jaipur Highway Despite PM's Assurance

A large group of farmers - among thousands agitating nationwide against the centre's controversial farm laws - will take out a rally today to block the Delhi-Jaipur highway in efforts to intensify protests that began in September. Irate farmers have also planned an all-India hunger strike and protests outside district offices for Monday. Fierce opposition to laws that farmers say endangers their livelihoods (the centre says the laws will reform the agriculture sector and increase incomes) have now entered an 18th straight day. Talks with the centre have so far failed to provide a breakthrough, with neither side willing to budge at this point; the farmers want the laws to be scrapped, while the centre will only consider amendments.