Tensions have escalated in the ongoing farmers protests. At least eight people were killed when violence broke out in India's Uttar Pradesh state on Sunday after a car linked to a federal minister ran over two farmers taking.
A farmers' union spokesperson said Sunday the deaths happened after a convoy of vehicles linked with minister Ajay Mishra Teni "ran over several protesters."
The incident took place about 130 kilometers (81 miles) north of the state's capital Lucknow.
The incident led to more protests and road blockades in some parts of the state and resulted in outrage on social media from opposition leaders.
In a statement posted on Twitter Sunday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath called the incident "very sad and unfortunate," adding that "strict action will be taken against the culprits."
Devastating to learn about the trampling to death of peaceful #FarmersProtest activists and others in #LakhimpurKheri India.
— Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi MP (@TanDhesi) October 4, 2021
My heartfelt condolences to the families for their immense loss.
Hope the authorities and media will treat them fairly, because they deserve justice now.
A number of national and regional opposition leaders were set to visit the families of the victims on Monday.
It is the largest agricultural protest to take place in India and others from around the world have also joined in, tens of thousands of farmers have held cities on the borders of New Delhi for revocation of the laws.
According to the farmers the legislation will rid of a longstanding mechanism that gives farmers a MSP for their rice and wheat.
The government says the laws will help growers get better prices.
The protests have gained traction in the Northern part of India with a group of influential farmer leaders pressuring
the current Prime Minister, Nearendra Modi, to repeal the laws.