The High Commission of India in London has condemned a debate among some British lawmakers on an e-petition over the right of peaceful protests and freedom of the press in India amid the ongoing farmers’ protest against three farm laws enacted by the Centre in September 2020. Denouncing the debate, held on Monday evening inside the British parliamentary premises, the Commission called it as “false assertions” in a “distinctly one-sided discussion”.
After the debate on an e-petition, the Commission in a statement said, “We deeply regret that rather than a balanced debate, false assertions -- without substantiation or facts -- were made, casting aspersions on the largest functioning democracy in the world and its institutions.” The debate was carried out in response to an e-petition that received over 100,000 signatures threshold, which is required to be approved by the House of Commons Petitions Committee.
The Indian High Commission had earlier shown its displeasure stating that the farmers’ protest is a “domestic matter.”
In its statement, the Indian mission also pointed out that foreign media, including British media, had been present and witnessed the events surrounding the farmers’ protests in India first-hand and therefore any “question of lack of freedom of the media in India does not arise”.
"The High Commission of India would normally refrain from commenting on an internal discussion involving a small group of Honourable Parliamentarians in a limited quorum... However, when aspersions are cast on India by anyone, irrespective of their claims of friendship and love for India or domestic political compulsions, there is a need to set the record straight," the statement further said.
Who said what in the UK Parliamentary debate?
Underlining India’s importance, the British government said, "India and the UK together work as a force for good in the UN Security Council and bilateral cooperation between the two countries helps fix many global problems". It further said while it is an exciting time for the UK-India partnership, it does not hinder us from raising difficult issues.
Virendra Sharma, the Opposition Labour MP suggested that the Indian government as well as protesting farmer bodies be counselled to reach an agreement. “Both sides need to step back and recognise the need for agreement… I hope the (British) government will commit to helping that cause and offer British skills in negotiation and compromise to help both sides to bring this issue to a close,” he said.
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Layla Moran, Liberal Democrat MP and spokesperson for foreign affairs said that the government can be held accountable due to the power of democracy.
Theresa Villiers noted that agricultural reforms have proved to be a difficult issue all over the world.
Farmers, mostly from Punjab, Haryana have been protesting against the three farm laws at several border points of Delhi which has crossed over 100 days now. While the government and the protesting farmers have held several discussions over the past months, the matter remains unresolved as the farmers are unmoved from their demand that the laws are repealed. Meanwhile, the government has offered them an option to amend the laws, which was at several times refused by Farmer bodies.