Canada PM Justin Trudeau Extends Support To Farmers Protesting, Says Situation Is Concerning

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has become the first world leader to comment on the ongoing protests by farmers in Delhi.

Speaking on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, PM Trudeau said "Canada will always be there to defend the rights of peaceful protest."

AFP

"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," he said during an interaction.

Protests against Farm Bills

The ongoing protests in Delhi are largely led by farmers from Punjab and the Sikh community, which have a sizable presence in Canada.

AFP

This comes as the government and the protesting farmers are set to hold talks as the agitation at the Delhi border shows no signs of slowing down.

Talks to be held

Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Monday had invited leaders of farmer unions for talks on Tuesday, instead of December 3, citing the COVID-19 pandemic and cold.

Thousands of farmers stayed put at various Delhi border points for the sixth consecutive day on Tuesday protesting against the new farm laws, which they fear will dismantle the minimum support price system and corporatise farming.

BCCL

"Keeping in view the cold and COVID-19, we have invited leaders of farmer unions for discussion much before the scheduled December 3 meeting," Tomar had told PTI on Monday.

The meeting has been called at 3 pm on December 1 at Vigyan Bhawan in the national capital, he said, adding that those leaders who were present in the meeting held on November 13 have been invited this time.

On Monday, the farmers said that they have come to the national capital for a "decisive battle" and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to listen to their "mann ki baat".

Top figures from the government also got in the huddle at the residence of BJP national President JPNadda.

Besides Home Minister Amit Shah, the high level meeting at Nadda's residence is being attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar.

Reuters

The farmers are protesting at Delhi's Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur borders on Delhi-Chandigarh, Delhi-Haryana and Delhi-Uttar Pradesh routes respectively.

The farmers are demanding the repealing of the three farm laws passed by Parliament in September.