No outsider must interfere: Farmer leader after Canadian PM's remark

One of the agitating farmer leaders has said that no outside person is allowed to interfere in India’s internal matters, referring to the protests against the farm laws. His remark came after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed support to their protest.

Shiv Kumar Kakkaji, a Madhya Pradesh-based farmer leader, told a press conference at the Singhu border near Delhi, the agitation would continue till the central government withdrew all three farm laws.

When about Trudeau’s support to the farmers protest, the leader said, “No outside person is allowed to interfere in India’s internal issues.” He, however, welcomed the Canadian PM’s concern for the farmers. “They’re worried about our issues and we welcome that,” he said.

Trudeau had on Monday backed the agitating farmers in India, saying Canada would always be there to defend the rights of peaceful protests.

Related news | Canada ‘concerned’ about farmers’ protest, earns India’s rebuke

“The situation is concerning and we’re all very worried about family and friends and I know that is a reality for many of you,” Trudeau said while speaking at an online event to mark the 551st birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

India had strongly reacted to the comments by Trudeau and other leaders there, calling the remarks as “ill-informed” and “unwarranted” as the matter pertained to the internal affairs of a democratic country.

Hundreds of farmers are staying put at Delhi’s borders with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh over various demands, including the repeal of the three contentious new legislations. They have expressed apprehension that the laws would pave the way for the dismantling of the minimum support price system, leaving them at the “mercy” of big corporates.

The Centre has maintained that the new laws would provide farmers with better opportunities. It has also accused the opposition parties of misleading farmers.

(With inputs from agencies)