World News – CA – Michigander’s rally in Canton Township in support of Indian farmers

Canton Township – Members of the Sikh and Indian community in Michigan will gather on Saturday to protest the Indian government’s controversial new laws passed by farmers where competition will destroy the industry.

The group plans to hold a forum and a car rally at 1pm. m. in the Heritage Park of the Canton Township in solidarity with international demonstrations in Canada, Great Britain, Australia and the United States in the middle of a dead end street between the Indian government and the farmers in New Delhi.

Amrinder Grewal, a community resident whose parents and grandparents were farmers in India, said he still had relatives and friends who farm there and the new laws are « ruining their lives ». « 

Grewal, 32, organizer of the peaceful protest, said the event is expected to bring together about 400 people locally and as far as Battle Creek and Muskegon to support farmers’ rights targeted by the Indian government Tear gas and water cannon.

« The government is suppressing its voice, » said Grewal, an immigrant who has lived in Canton for about five years. « I’m afraid that the government will use some violence against them. « 

Protest leaders on Saturday rejected the government’s offer to amend some provisions of the controversial new agricultural laws that deregulate crop prices and maintain demands for a full repeal.

Farmers vow a nationwide strike Tuesday and an escalation in measures that will result in supporters occupying toll booths across the country on strike day if the government fails to abolish the laws.

The rift has sparked protests that have blocked major highways on the outskirts of the capital for more than a week. Thousands of farmers argue the reforms could destroy crop prices and lower their revenues.

Farmers say the laws will push the government to stop buying grain at guaranteed minimum prices and lead to exploitation by companies that will depress prices.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has insisted that the reforms benefit farmers. It is claimed that the changes will allow farmers to market their products and stimulate production through private investment. However, farmers argue that they were never consulted.

« If it’s a bill for the farmers, they should talk to the farmers, » added Grewal. « Farmers know better what is good for them. « 

The talks between Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and 35 farmers’ leaders on Saturday were the fifth since the legislation was passed in September.

Halfway through, the peasant leaders held placards asking the government to answer “yes” or “no” to their calls for the repeal of new agricultural laws.

The situation escalated last week when tens of thousands marched into New Delhi where they clashed with the police.

The new regulations are adding to tensions there, and farmers have long complained that they are being ignored by the government in their demands for better crop prices, additional credit volatility and irrigation systems to ensure water during drought.

With nearly 60% of India’s population dependent on agriculture for a living, the growing peasant uprising has rocked the Modi government and allies.

United Nations, protest, India, António Guterres