Peaceful Protests, Internet Access Democracy's Hallmark: US On Farm Row
Newsdesk |
February 4, 2021
Unhindered access to information, including the Internet, and peaceful protests are a hallmark of a thriving democracy, the US said on Wednesday in comments on the farmer protests that also backed "steps that can improve the efficiency of India's markets". The US State Department made the remarks to questions on the farmer protests, the three central laws that have provoked the agitation and the government's move to block Internet near the protest sites.
New Delhi, 04 February 2021
"We recognize 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," said a US Embassy spokesperson, quoting from the State Department briefing. "In general, the United States welcomes steps that would improve the efficiency of India's markets and attract greater private sector investment," the spokesperson added, in remarks seen to indicate support for the farm laws pitched by the government as long overdue reforms in the agriculture sector.
