Farmers' protest LIVE: Union leader commits to 'peaceful agitation'

Farmers' protest LIVE updates Day 67: The government suspended mobile internet services in several areas around Delhi on Saturday as protesting farmers began a one-day hunger strike after a week of clashes with authorities that left one dead and hundreds injured. Angry at new agricultural laws that they say benefit large private food buyers at the expense of producers, tens of thousands of farmers have been camped at protest sites on the outskirts of the capital for more than two months.

The home ministry said internet was blocked in Singhu, Ghazipur, Tikri, and places near them till 11pm, January 31, to "maintain public safety and averting public emergency". In the past week, a planned tractor parade on Republic Day on January 26 turned violent when some protesters deviated from pre-agreed routes, tore down barricades and clashed with police, who used tear gas to try and restrain them.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday told leaders of various political parties that his government is trying to resolve the issues raised by farmers. "During the All-Party meet PM Narendra Modi assured that GoI (Government of India) is approaching the farmers' issue with an open mind. The PM said GoI's stand is same as it was on January 22 - the proposal by the Agriculture Minister still stands," Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said on Twitter.

.