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Farmers’ protest: Support pours in from foreign shores

Elected representatives of Indian origin speak out in support of protesting farmers.

Farmers protest at Singhu border during their 'Delhi Chalo' march against the Centre's new farm laws, in New Delhi, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020. (PTI Photo/Atul Yadav)Farmers protest at Singhu border during their 'Delhi Chalo' march against the Centre's new farm laws, in New Delhi, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020. (PTI Photo/Atul Yadav)

Elected representatives of Indian origin speak out in support of protesting farmers:

“The fundamental right to peaceful protest is the cornerstone of any functioning democracy. I am appalled by the unnecessary violent measures taken by police forces in India against farmers demonstrating their constitutional right. As Canadians we must always call out injustices when we see them at home or abroad. The images surfacing of the use of water cannons and tear gas against an unarmed group of citizens is alarming. I am deeply concerned for the safety of all those involved.”

– Kamal Khera, MP, Brampton West

“The Indian govt’s use of water cannons and tear gas on farmers protesting mass privatization of the agricultural sector and unjust reform of farming laws is appalling. They deserve respect for feeding the nation instead of being subjected to state brutality.”

– Guratan Singh, elected representative of Ontario

“I am really saddened by the way Punjab farmers are being treated . This is unacceptable.”

– Rachna Singh, MLA for Surrey-Green Timbers

“The treatment of Punjab farmers is deplorable. Farmers are the strength and backbone of the Punjab and they deserve to be treated with respect. I stand in solidarity with the farmers.”

– Randeep S Sarai, MP, Surrey center

“The right to peaceful protest is fundamental in any democracy, especially in the world’s largest. I am very disturbed by the treatment of Punjabi farmers in India – this blatant abuse by Indian authorities is unacceptable. I stand with the Punjab Farmers.”

– Sukh Dhaliwal, MP Surrey Newton

“India’s farmers deserve to be heard and respected. This is horrific.”

– Tim Uppal, MP Edmonton Mill Woods

“Respect for the farmers in India.”

– Jasraj Singh Hallan, MP, Calgary

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“The violence perpetrated by the Indian govt against farmers peacefully protesting is appalling. I stand in solidarity with the farmers from Punjab and across India – and, I call on the Indian govt to engage in peaceful dialogue rather than violence.”

– Jagmeet Singh, leader of National Democratic Party Canada

“We are shocked to see the Indian government’s suppression of farmers protesting new laws which will endanger their livelihood. Instead of using water cannons and tear gas, the Indian government needs to engage in open dialogue with farmers.”

– Jack Harris, MP, St Johan East

“I stand with farmers in India who are protesting peacefully, as well as their loved ones here in Ontario, who are watching the violent crackdown in horror. Everyone deserves to be able to exercise their democratic rights without fear of state-sanctioned violence.”

– Andrea Horwath, leader of Ontario’s official opposition

“Shocking scenes from Delhi. Farmers are peacefully protesting over controversial bills that will impact their livelihoods. Water cannons, and tear gas, are being used to silence them.”

– Preet Kaur Gill, MP Birmingham, UK

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“The reports of peaceful protesters being brutalised in India are very troubling. Many of my constituents have family there and are worried about the safety of their loved ones. Healthy democracies allow peaceful protest. I urge those involved to uphold this fundamental right.”

– Harjit Sajjan, Defense Minister, Canada

“I’ve heard from many of my constituents in Mississauga-Malton, expressing their concerns about the safety of their family and friends in the farmers’ protest in India. Peaceful protests are fundamental in any democracy, and I urge for the rights of the protesters to be respected.”

– Navdeep Bains, Minister of Science and Innovation, Canada

“I received many messages from concerned constituents in Brampton South about the situation in India. My residents told me how worried they are about the protests of Punjab farmers. I share their concerns and hope that the situation will be resolved peacefully. The freedom of expression and to protest is fundamental to every democracy and I strongly believe that they should be heard.”

– Sonia Sidhu, elected representative from Brampton South

“Many of my constituents and I are deeply concerned about the safety of our family and friends in India. The right to peaceful protest is a constitutional right. Farmers in India should be able to voice their opinions and protest peacefully without fear for their safety.”

– Maninder Sidhu, MP from Brampton East

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“It takes a special kind of people to feed those ordered to beat and suppress them. I stand with farmers of Punjab and other parts of India, including our family and friends, who are peacefully protesting against farmer bills.”

– Singh Dhesi, MP

“Treatment of Punjab farmers is terrible. They are protesting bills that will impact the lives of so many. Farmers are the backbone of Punjab. They deserve to be treated with dignity. Indian government needs to engage in dialogue with farmers.”

– Kevin Yarde, MP, Brampton North

Curated For You

Kamaldeep Singh Brar is a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express, primarily covering Amritsar and the Majha region of Punjab. He is one of the publication's key reporters for stories involving the Akal Takht, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), and the sensitive socio-political issues of the border districts. Core Beats & Specializations Religious & Panthic Affairs: He has deep expertise in the internal workings of the Akal Takht and SGPC, frequently reporting on religious sentences (Tankhah), Panthic politics, and the influence of Sikh institutions. National Security & Crime: His reporting covers cross-border drug smuggling, drone activities from Pakistan, and the activities of radical groups. Regional Politics: He is the primary correspondent for the Majha belt, covering elections and political shifts in Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Gurdaspur. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His work in late 2025 has been centered on judicial developments, local body elections, and religious controversies: 1. Religious Politics & Akal Takht "Akal Takht pronounces religious sentences against former Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh" (Dec 8, 2025): Covering the historic decision to hold the former Jathedar guilty for granting a pardon to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim in 2015. "YouTube suspends SGPC’s channel for a week over video on 1984 Army action" (Nov 20, 2025): Reporting on the digital friction between global tech platforms and Sikh religious bodies. "As AAP govt grants Amritsar holy tag, a look at its fraught demand" (Nov 28, 2025): An analytical piece on the long-standing demand for declaring Amritsar a "holy city" and its political implications. 2. Crime & National Security "Mostly Khalistanis on Amritpal’s hit list: Punjab govt to High Court" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on the state government's claims regarding jailed MP Amritpal Singh orchestrating activity from prison. "Punjab man with links to Pakistan’s ISI handlers killed in encounter" (Nov 20, 2025): Detailing a police operation in Amritsar involving "newly refurbished" firearms likely sent from across the border. "15 schools in Amritsar get bomb threat emails; police launch probe" (Dec 12, 2025): Covering the panic and police response to mass threats against educational institutions. 3. Political Analysis & Elections "AAP wins 12 of 15 zones in SAD stronghold Majitha" (Dec 19, 2025): Highlighting a significant shift in the 2025 rural elections where the Akali Dal lost its grip on a traditional fortress. "Tarn Taran bypoll: woman faces threats after complaining to CM Mann about drug menace" (Nov 9, 2025): A ground report on the personal risks faced by citizens speaking out against the illegal drug trade in border villages. "AAP wins Tarn Taran bypoll, but SAD finds silver lining" (Nov 14, 2025): Analyzing the 2025 assembly by-election results and the surprising performance of Independents backed by radical factions. 4. Human Interest "Two couples and a baby: Punjab drug addiction tragedy has new victims" (Nov 20, 2025): A tragic investigative piece about parents selling an infant to fund their addiction. "Kashmiri women artisans debut at Amritsar’s PITEX" (Dec 8, 2025): A feature on financial independence initiatives for rural women at the Punjab International Trade Expo. Signature Beat Kamaldeep is known for his nuanced understanding of border dynamics. His reporting often highlights the "drug crisis in the underprivileged localities" (like Muradpur in Tarn Taran, Nov 9, 2025), providing a voice to marginalized communities affected by addiction and administrative neglect. X (Twitter): @kamalsbrar ... Read More

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  • Delhi Chalo Farm Bills 2020 farmers protest Haryana Punjab
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