The High Commission said: “We deeply regret that rather than a balanced debate, false assertions – without substantiation or facts – were made.”
Indian High Commission in London has responded sharply to a debate held in the British Parliament on Monday on “safety of farmers” and “press freedom” in India.
In a statement, the High Commission said: “We deeply regret that rather than a balanced debate, false assertions – without substantiation or facts – were made, casting aspersions on the largest functioning democracy in the world and its institutions.”
“Foreign media, including the British media, are present in India and have witnessed the events under discussion first-hand. The question of lack of freedom of the media in India does not arise,” the statement added.
The British parliament on Monday set aside 90 minutes to debate the “safety of farmers” and “press freedom” in India. Several MPs from the Labour party, Liberal Democrats and the Scottish National Party raised concerns over the Indian government’s reaction to the protests.
“The concerns will be raised with India when both Prime Ministers meet in person,” the UK government said in response.
Maidenhead Liberal Democrat leader Gurch Singh of Indian origin had initiated a petition after which the debate was held. The petition received signatures from over a lakh UK residents within weeks.
Martin Day of the Scottish National Party opened the debate with the remarks: “The UK government has already stated that the farm reforms are a matter for the Indian government’s decision. So we are not debating the reforms now. We are debating for the safety of the protesters. Water cannons and tear gas and repeated clashes between police and farmers and interruption in internet connectivity have been matters of concern. Several farmers have reportedly committed suicide.”
UK Minister of State for Asia Nigel Adams, in a response to several opposition MPs raising concerns over the safety of farmers and journalists in India, said Britain’s “close ties with India doesn’t hinder the nation from raising concerns”.
“The unprecedented protests should make one think about why so many are turning up. The arrests of journalists is a matter of serious concern,” Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said.
However, conservative MP Theresa Villiers backed the Indian government’s response. She said: “We receive complaints against policemen here in the UK too when there are mass protests. That doesn’t mean the UK is against democracy.”
The Indian High Commission, in its statement, stressed: “The High Commission of India would normally refrain from commenting on an internal discussion involving a small group of Honourable Parliamentarians in a limited quorum. However, when aspersions are cast on India by anyone, irrespective of their claims of friendship and love for India or domestic political compulsions, there is a need to set the record straight.”
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