Amid a global pandemic, it is not surprising that Indian farmers are concerned about the impact of recent agricultural reforms, said a top US lawmaker, speaking in support of agitated farmers who have been protesting the new laws. agricultural.
Thousands of farmers from Punjab, Haryana, and several other states have been protesting across Delhi’s various borders since Nov. 26, seeking the repeal of three farm laws enacted in September.
Calling these laws “anti-farmer,” these farmers claim that the newly enacted legislation would pave the way for the dismantling of the minimum support price system, leaving them “at the mercy” of large corporations.
However, the government has argued that the new laws will provide farmers with better opportunities and usher in new technologies in agriculture.
“In the midst of a global pandemic, it is not surprising that farmers in India are concerned about the impact of recent agricultural reforms. As we know from our own experience in the US, citizens have every right to protest peacefully, to be accommodated and their concerns heard, ”Congressman Brad Sherman, co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Indians and American Indians, said Tuesday.
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“As chair of the Caucus on India and American Indians, I have proudly championed the close partnership between the world’s oldest and largest democracies. It is an association built on interests and values, including a shared dedication to human rights and freedom of expression, ”he said in a series of tweets.
India has called the statements by foreign leaders and politicians about the farmers’ protests “misinformed” and “unjustified”, stating that the matter concerns the internal affairs of a democratic country.
“Farmers yearning to be heard are another powerful example of how peaceful protest is just one of many cherished democratic traditions that unite our countries,” said Sharman.
Congressman-elect David G Valadao also supported Indian farmers.
“As farmers make their voices heard peacefully, the Government of India has a responsibility to allow its citizens to exercise this right of assembly,” Valadao said.
Peasant leaders have stood firm in their demand for the repeal of three new agricultural laws. They have asserted that the laws will benefit companies and end the mandi system and the minimum support price (MSP) regime.
The government has maintained that it is committed to the well-being of farmers and has presented these laws as major reforms for their benefits.
An evening meeting called by Interior Minister Amit Shah ended in failure on Tuesday when farmer leaders rejected the government’s offer to amend new farm laws, saying they would settle for nothing less than the removal of the legislation, while many of them threatened to boycott. Talks scheduled for Wednesday with ministers.
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