India has responded sharply to the comments received from Canadian Prime Minister regarding the persisting farmers’ protest in the country, terming it an “internal affair”.
Calling the “leaders” as “ill-informed” and “unwarranted”, India’s remarks today at Justin Trudeau came after he said that the situation in the nation was “concerning”.
Anurag Srivastava, Spokesman of the Foreign Ministry of India, in a reply on behalf of the government, said, “We have seen some ill-informed comments by Canadian leaders relating to farmers in India. Such comments are unwarranted, especially when pertaining to the internal affairs of a democratic country.”
The brief response also mentioned, “It is also best that diplomatic conversations are not misrepresented for political purposes.”
Earlier in the day, Priyanka Chaturvedi, Shiv Sena’s deputy leader had also raised objections to the comments of Mr. Trudeau who, along with his family had visited India in 2018.
Ms. Chaturvedi, while indirectly asking the Canadian chief to stay away from the matters of India, highlighted that the growing issue is an internal affair.
“Dear @JustinTrudeau, touched by your concern but India’s internal issue is not fodder for another nation’s politics. Pls respect the courtesies that we always extend to other nations. Request PM @narendramodi ji to resolve this impasse before other countries find it okay to opine,” Ms Chaturvedi tweeted.
Dear @JustinTrudeau ,touched by your concern but India’s internal issue is not fodder for another nation’s politics.Pls respect the courtesies that we always extend to other nations.
Request PM @narendramodi ji to resolve this impasse before other countries find it okay to opine.— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) December 1, 2020
Extending his support to the protesting farmers who have made their stance clear against the new farm laws of India; Mr Trudeau said that, “Canada will always be there to defend the rights of peaceful protest.”
With this, the Canadian PM becomes the only global leader who has given his voice for the prevailing strikes.
During a virtual event conducted to commemorate the 551st birth anniversary of Guru Nanak (Guru Nanak Gurpurab), the founder of Sikhism, Mr. Trudeau said that he worried about the family and friends of the farmers expressing their agitation towards the farm laws. He reiterated Canada’s support to those aiming to exercise their rights, “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.”
A video of his entire speech at the event was also posted by the leader on his official Twitter handle.
Consecutively for the 6th day, farmers from states across the country have camped near the Delhi-Punjab border demonstrating protests in view of the farm laws, which they claim will leave them at the mercy of big corporates for earning a livelihood.
Though the government let out gushes of water cannons and tear gas, thousands of brave farmers stood against all odds, including police barricades in the chilly weather of the national capital. Some farmers still remain in Punjab as they couldn’t enter the city.
World Sikh Organization posted a video on social media where the Canadian PM was heard saying, “We believe in the importance of dialogue and that’s why, we’ve reached out to multiple means, directly to the India authorities to highlight our concerns. This is a moment for all of us to pull together.”
The world leader also spoke the importance of Guru Nanak birth anniversary to Canadian Sikhs.
Another politician, Raghav Chadha, the spokesperson for Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), criticized unasked opinions from any leader who isn’t a part of India calling the comments as “unsolicited” and “unwelcome”.
The Indian PM has repeatedly stated that the farm laws are for the benefit of farmers though the actual people in question truly oppose the statements. The Centre is aiming to resolve the matter through discussions with the farmers’ body chief but are somehow directly at their firm stance of not withdrawing the major 3 farm laws that occupy the centre of the protest.
