New Delhi: Referring to the ongoing farmers’ protests against the three agri-laws, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs today expressed its concerns that certain “vested interest groups” were trying to mobilise international support against India – “Instigated by such fringe elements, Mahatma Gandhi statues have been desecrated in parts of the world. This is extremely disturbing for India and for civilised society everywhere.”
In a press statement today, the MEA said the Parliament of India, after a full debate and discussion, had passed reformist legislation relating to the agricultural sector. “These reforms give expanded market access and provided greater flexibility to farmers. They also pave the way for economically and ecologically sustainable farming,” the statement said, and claimed that a “very small section” of farmers in parts of India had some reservations about the farm reforms.
“Respecting the sentiments of the protestors, the Government of India has initiated a series of talks with their representatives. Union Ministers have been part of the negotiations, and eleven rounds of talks have already been held. The Government has even offered to keep the laws on hold, an offer iterated by no less than the Prime Minister of India,” the MEA stated. It termed it as “unfortunate” that “vested interest groups” were trying to enforce their agenda on these protests, and derail them. “This was egregiously witnessed on January 26, India’s Republic Day. A cherished national commemoration, the anniversary of the inauguration of the Constitution of India, was besmirched, and violence and vandalism took place in the Indian capital,” it stated.
The statement further said that Indian police forces had handled these protests with utmost restraint and noted that “hundreds of men and women serving in the police have been physically attacked, and in some cases stabbed and seriously wounded”.
The MEA emphasised that these protests must be seen in the context of India’s democratic ethos and polity, and the efforts of the Government and the concerned farmer groups to resolve the impasse. It urged that the facts be ascertained, and a proper understanding of the issues at hand be undertaken before rushing to comment on such matters. “The temptation of sensationalist social media hashtags and comments, especially when resorted to by celebrities and others, is neither accurate nor responsible,” the statement said under the hashtags, #IndiaTogether, and, #IndiaAgainstPropaganda.
