Mr Trudeau said: “Canada will always be there to defend the rights of peaceful protest”, noting that the situation is “concerning”.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, being the first world leader to back the farmer’s agitation in India against the new farm laws, said: “Canada will always be there to defend the rights of peaceful protest”, noting that the situation is “concerning”.
At an online event to mark the 551st birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the Canadian Prime Minister said: “The news coming out of India about the protest by farmers. The situation is concerning and we’re all very worried about family and friends. I know that’s a reality for many of you. Let me remind you, Canada will always be there to defend the rights of peaceful protest.”
Canada PM @JustinTrudeau raises the issue of farmer protests in India. Says, "situation is concerning…. Canada will always be thr to defend the right of peaceful protest". Adds, "we have reached out through multiple means directly to Indian authorities" pic.twitter.com/SKa0GJAMzr
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) December 1, 2020
Thousands of farmers from Punjab, Harayana and adjoining states braved water cannons, tear gas and barricades to reach to the national capital to protest the new agriculture reforms brought in by the Modi government. Highlighting the excessive force used against the peaceful protestors, many politicians from Canada and the United Kingdom had already condemned the actions of the government and had called for peaceful dialogue.
Jagmeet Singh, the leader of New Democratic Party from Canada, had earlier tweeted in support of farmers. “The violence perpetrated by the Indian govt against farmers peacefully protesting is appalling I stand in solidarity w/ the farmers from Punjab and across India – and, I call on the Indian govt to engage in peaceful dialogue rather than violence,” said Mr Singh.
Preet Kaur Gill, the first female Sikh MP from the United Kingdom, had also condemned the use of force against farmers. “Shocking scenes from Delhi. Farmers are peacefully protesting over controversial bills that will impact their livelihoods. Water cannons, and tear gas, are being used to silence them,” Ms Gill had tweeted, quoting the video by Canadian legislator Gurratan Singh, who had raised the issue in Ontario legislative assembly.
Shocking scenes from Delhi. Farmers are peacefully protesting over controversial bills that will impact their livelihoods. Water cannons, and tear gas, are being used to silence them. #HumanRights @BBCWorld #Indianfarmers #FarmersBill2020 https://t.co/2ROyb5WSHI
— Preet Kaur Gill MP (@PreetKGillMP) November 28, 2020
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