Madhya Pradesh farmers protest: 5 shot dead as stir turns violent

At least five farmers were shot dead in the Mandsaur district of Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday when a nearly fortnight-long farmer agitation in the state turned violent. 

In neighbouring Maharashtra, a farmer agitation for a loan waiver continued unabated for a sixth day.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan blamed Opposition parties, particularly the Congress, for instigating the violence. “I request the farmers to be patient. Do not fall in the trap of anyone. The government stands with the farmers. We will solve all problems through discussion,” Chouhan tweeted.

In both the states, the respective governments had tried to negotiate with specific