US backs India’s farm laws amid protest
In support of the new farm laws the US said on Wednesday that it welcomes the steps that would “improve the efficiency of the Indian markets and bring in greater private sector investment. A spokesperson of the State Department said that Washington recognizes that “peaceful protests are a hallmark of any thriving democracy,” and added that that the differences between the farmers and the government should be resolved via dialogues.
“We recognize that peaceful protests are a hallmark of any thriving democracy, and note that the Indian Supreme Court has stated the same” said the spokesperson. The spokesperson further added “We encourage any differences between the parties to be resolved through dialogue. In general, the United States welcomes steps that will improve the efficiency of the Indian markets and attract a greater private sector investment."
Since November 26 the farmers have been protesting against the 3 new farm laws introduced by the central government. Violence broke out on January 26 during the farmers’ tractor rally as the county was celebrating the occasion of Republic day. The protestors broke barricades set up by the Delhi police and cases of vandalism were reported in several parts of the capital city during the tractor rally, as the rally was organized to protest against the center’s 3 new farm laws. The government in the 11th round of talks that took place on January 22 had proposed to the protesting farmers to suspend the new legislation for one to one and a half year and also suggested setting up a new joint committee to discuss the laws.
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