‘Peaceful protests hallmark of thriving democracy’: US amid row over farm stir

The United States on Wednesday hinted its support to the agricultural legislation.

A day after several global celebrities backed farmers protests against Centre’s agricultural laws, a move condemned by the Indian government and popular sportsmen and actors, the United States on Wednesday hinted its support to the legislation saying it welcomes steps that would improve efficiency of India's markets and attract more private sector investment.

Farmers at Tikri Border during their ongoing protest against farm law, in New Delhi on Saturday. (ANI Photo)

The United States State Department spokesperson said peaceful demonstrations are a “hallmark of thriving democracy.” “We recognize peaceful protests as a hallmark of thriving democracy, and the Indian Supreme Court has stated the same...US welcomes steps that would improve efficiency of India's markets and attract more private sector investment,” the spokesperson was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

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On the difference in stance of various political parties on the laws that liberalise farm trade, the spokesperson said, "We encourage that any differences between the parties be resolved through dialogue.”

Thousands of farmers, mainly from Punjab and Haryana, have been camping at Delhi borders for the past two and a half months demanding a complete roll back of the three contentious laws enacted by the government in September last year. On January 26, protesting farmers conducted a tractor rally in the national capital, which turned violent as clashes broke out between the protesters and the police.

Following the violence on Republic Day, security at the borders has been stepped up. The blockades at Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur borders have restricted access to toilets, sanitation facilities, and water, agitators at the three border spots have said.

On Wednesday, international figures including Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg and pop icon Rihanna had expressed concern over suspension of the internet at sites where farmers are protesting. "Why aren’t we talking about this?!" Rihanna tweeted with the hashtags #FarmersProtest.

The ministry of external affairs, however, contended that “vested interest groups” were trying to enforce their agenda on the protests to derail them, and have tried to mobilise global support against India. The statement also referred to “sensationalist social media hashtags and comments” by “celebrities and others” but didn’t name anyone.