Farmers’ stir: US for talks to end deadlock, restoration of Internet

In its first reaction to the ongoing farmers’ agitation, the new US administration on Thursday threw its weight behind people’s protests and dialogue, saying peaceful protests are the hallmark of any thriving democracy and that “unhindered access” to Internet is “fundamental to the freedom of expression”. While it supported, “in general”, measures to improve the efficiency of India’s markets, the Joe Biden-led government said that it encouraged dialogue to resolve differences.

The US’ comment on India’s three recent farm laws seemed to be veiled, but its support of peaceful protests and push for dialogue is being seen as a clear message to New

Delhi.

“We recognise that peaceful protests are a hallmark of any thriving democracy, and note that the Indian Supreme Court has stated the same. We encourage that any differences between the parties be resolved through dialogue. In general, the United States welcomes steps that would improve

the efficiency of India’s markets and attract greater private sector investment,” said the US state department in Washington and the US embassy in Delhi in response to questions on the over two-monthlong protests by farmers at the national capital's borders.

On the Internet restrictions imposed at the farmer protest sites on Delhi’s borders, the US embassy said, “We recognise that unhindered access to information,

including the internet, is fundamental to the freedom of expression and a hallmark of a thriving democracy.”

Reacting to the statement, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) said, “We have taken note of comments of the US State Department. It is important to see such comments in the context in which they were made and in their entirety. As you can see, the US state department has acknowledged steps being taken by India towards agricultural reforms. Any protests must be seen in the context of India’s democratic ethos and polity, and the ongoing efforts of the Government and the concerned farmer groups to resolve the impasse.”

Drawing a comparison between the “violence and vandalism” at

Red Fort on January 26 with incidents on Capitol Hill in Washington on January 6, New Delhi said both events “evoked similar sentiments and reactions” and added that “temporary measures with regard to Internet access in certain parts of the (Delhi) NCR region were therefore understandably undertaken to prevent further violence”.

The statement by the new US administration came close on the heels of tweets by American pop singer Rihanna and climate activist Greta Thunberg extending their support to the farmers agitating against the three contentious agri laws that put the raging protests in global spotlight.

Besides Rihanna and Thunberg, several other prominent personalities including Meena Harris, an American lawyer and niece of US Vice-President Kamala Harris, actress Amanda Cerni, singers Jay Sean, Dr Zeus and former adult star Mia Khalifa too voiced their support to the protesting farmers.

In a strong response to the remarks made by the international celebrities, the MEA on Wednesday said the “temptation” of sensationalist social media hashtags and comments is “neither accurate nor responsible”.