The Punjabi diaspora in Canada has expressed shock over Indian government's use of police force and brutality on farmers who are democratically protesting against the contentious farm laws.
Several lawmakers of Punjabi descent have asked the Indian government to engage in an open dialogue with the farmers as their livelihoods are going to be impacted.
Expressing solidarity with the farmers, Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, said that the reports of peaceful protesters being brutalized were very troubling.
"Many of my constituents have family there and are worried about the safety of their loved ones. Healthy democracies allow peaceful protest. I urge those involved to uphold this fundamental right," he tweeted on Sunday.
Gurratan Singh, an anti-racial activist in Canada, has said: ¡°The Indian govt's use of water cannons and tear gas on farmers protesting mass privatization of the agricultural sector and unjust reform of farming laws is appalling. They deserve respect for feeding the nation instead of being subjected to state brutality.¡±
Joining the issue, Sonia Sidhu, MP for Brampton South, Canada, tweeted, "I received many messages from constituents concerned in Brampton South about the situation in India."
"My residents told me how worried they are about the protests of the Punjab farmers. I share their concerns and hope that the situation will be resolved peacefully."
Ruby Sahota, MP for Brampton (North), said the determination and resilience of the farmers is admirable.?"In a free and just society one should be able to advocate for their cause without the threat of force being used against them. The brutality being faced by the Indian farmers in these images is deplorable," she said in a tweet.
Chandigarh-born Rachna Singh, Parliament Secretary of British Columbia, said she was really saddened by the way Punjab farmers were being treated. "This is unacceptable."
"Peaceful protests are fundamental in any democracy, and I urge for the rights of the protestors to be respected," said Navdeep Bains, MP for Mississauga-Malton.
"Shocking scenes from Delhi," remarked MP from Britain, Preet Kaur Gill.