US Congressman: Indian Government should engage in constructive dialogue, not repress peaceful protests

US: Targeting Indian Government over suppression of peaceful protests by farmers, US Congressman and Co-Chair of Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, James McGovern tweeted that “Indian Government should engage in constructive dialogue, not repress peaceful protests.”

Further, the statement read, “As the world’s largest democracy, India can and must be a leader of Human Rights.”

The statement came after the clashes between Indian police and farmers on January 26, while hundreds of protesters barged Red Fort during a Republic Day parallel parade to express the union government's dejection of newly implemented farm laws.

In a tweet, Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission asked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an appropriate response to Farmers Protest in a Human Rights context. Notably, The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission defends, promotes, and advocates internationally recognized human rights norms in a nonpartisan manner. And the involvement of the US and human rights in this protest would make a big difference for the people protesting. However, over 100 deaths have been reported during the protests at the national capital's outer parts.

It's been more than two months that Indian Farmers are protesting against the central government's farm laws. Despite several tabled discussions with Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, the meetings were inconclusive. Farmers are demanding complete rollback of laws, whereas the government stands still to offer alternative ways to satisfy.

On January 26, India celebrated its 72nd Republic Day following a parade, whereas Farmers also conducted the parallel parade where thousands participated. However, as most of the farmers were on the designated routes, some miscreants diverted the parade towards Red Fort and IPO sectors of New Delhi, where farmers and police had clashed.

During this event, one farmer died as high-speed tractor rolled over, and around 500 people were injured, including both farmers and police.