Many members of the Indian diaspora worldwide celebrated the victory of Indian farmers after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the three farm laws would be repealed. NRIs paid tribute to the farmers who died during the one-year-long movement.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an address to the nation on Friday morning, announced that the three farm laws would be repealed.
“We haven’t been able to explain to our farmers. This is not a time to blame anyone. I want to tell you that we have taken the farm laws back,” said the Prime Minister, urging farmers to return to their homes and fields.
The decision comes as farmers’ protests are on the verge of completing a year ahead of UP and Punjab elections.
A large section of the Indian diaspora worldwide has been supporting the farmers’ movement in kind and spirit. Many have travelled to India to show their support to the farmers protesting on different Delhi borders.
Many of the Indian community overseas welcomed the news.
United Kindom-based Sanyam Siwach congratulated everyone who supported the farmers.
“Congratulations to everyone who supported the farmers from last one years. And salute to 700 farmers who lost their lives during the movement. You will always be remembered in golden words of history,” said Mr Siwach.
US-based Anil Dutt Rathi also paid tribute to the farmers who lost their lives during the one-year-long movement.
“Congratulations to all, and paying tribute to all who lost their lives in this fight for right. Let’s keep them and their families in prayers. Unity is the only way to win big battles,” said Mr Rathee adding that Jayant Chaudhary of Rashtriya Lok Dal led the way to the victory.
However, many BJP supporters were left dismayed by the decision. An Australia-based community leader told NRI Affairs on the condition of anonymity that people are disappointed.
He said, “Modi Ji had brought these laws to make much-needed reforms. So, it is disappointing to see him fail. But, I am sure he will find a way forward.”
Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait has said that the protesting farmers will return to their homes only after the Parliament duly passes the decision.
Samyukt Kisan Morcha welcomed the decision cautiously saying it will “wait for the announcement to take effect through due parliamentary procedures. If this happens, it will be a historic victory of the one year long farmers’ struggle in India. However, nearly 700 farmers have been martyred in this struggle. The central government’s obstinacy is responsible for these avoidable deaths, including the murders at Lakhimpur Kheri.”
US-based human rights activist Motika Anand says this government cannot be trusted.
“Modi never said farm laws were bad. He’s putting the burden of repealing the laws on farmers and acting as sacrificing something great for country because of farmers making them traitors. I’m sure they have something terrible planned already,” said Ms Anand.
Samyukt Kisan Morcha welcomes this decision and will wait for the announcement to take effect through due parliamentary procedures. If this happens, it will be a historic victory of the one year long farmers’ struggle in India. However, nearly 700 farmers have been martyred in this struggle. The central government’s obstinacy is responsible for these avoidable deaths, including the murders at Lakhimpur Kheri.
