BC based Punjabi residents are throwing their support behind the farmers in India who have been holding protests in New Delhi in opposition to agriculture bills brought upon the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government.
As a result an in car rally is taking place Wednesday that will begin in Surrey and travel to the Indian Consulate in Downtown Vancouver. The Punjab Kisaan Morcha Car Rally rally organizers say the farmers biggest conern is that the sale and success of their crops will be left at the hands of large corporations, which will impact the incomes of smaller producers.
The car protest is set to begin at the Strawberry Hill Parking Lot at 12:45 pm and will travel to the Indian Consulate in downtown Vancouver.
Organizers say those who will be taking part in the rally need to abide by COVID-19 restrictions at all times. Face coverings are required and participants need to stay in their vehicles at all times. Physical distancing also needs to be kept in mind.
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Many local and national politicians such as Sukh Dhaliwal, Shirley Bond, Jinny Sims, Harjit Sajjan, Navdeep Bains as well as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shared their messages with the Hashtag #ISupportFarmers over Twitter.
The right to peaceful protest is fundamental in any democracy, especially in the world's largest
— Sukh Dhaliwal (@sukhdhaliwal) November 27, 2020
I am very disturbed by the treatment of Punjabi farmers in India - this blatant abuse by Indian authorities is unacceptable
I stand with the #PunjabFarmers #cdnpoli #SurreyBC pic.twitter.com/MQYQwL3AzS
The right to peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democracy. Interference with that right is an attack on democracy & freedom. I support #Farmers
— Jinny Sims (@jinnysims) November 30, 2020
I know that the images of violence coming from #India are difficult for many British Columbians who have family and loved ones there. Peaceful protests shouldn’t be met with violence.
— Shirley Bond (@shirleybond) November 29, 2020
The reports of peaceful protesters being brutalized in India are 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. https://t.co/myWev8t3uW
— Harjit Sajjan (@HarjitSajjan) November 28, 2020
I’ve heard from many of my constituents in Mississauga-Malton, expressing their concerns about the safety of their family and friends in the #FarmersProtest in India.
— Navdeep Bains (@NavdeepSBains) November 28, 2020
Peaceful protests are fundamental in any democracy, and I urge for the rights of the protestors to be respected. pic.twitter.com/zUt1qDB5fU
The Indian authorities said Trudeau's message was unwarranted.
Photo courtesy of Twitter.
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