Chennai: The Indian government and farmers have taken strong offence to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s remarks on the continuing farmers’ protests in Delhi.
Terming his statements as ill-informed, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, ‘Such comments are unwarranted, especially when pertaining to the internal affairs of a democratic country. It is also best that diplomatic conversations are not misrepresented for political purposes’.
Madhya Pradesh-based farmer leader Shiv Kumar Kakkaji, too has criticised the Canadian PM and said, ‘No outside person is allowed to interfere in India’s internal issues’.
He however welcomed the latter’s concern.
Speaking at an online event to mark the 551st birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, Trudeau said, ‘The situation is very concerning. All of us are worried about family and friends, and this is a reality for many. Let me remind you. Canada will always defend the rights of peaceful protesters. We have intimated our concerns to the Indian authorities’.
The agitation by the farmer groups meanwhile entered into its eighth day, with thousands of protestors camping outside Delhi, demanding the scrapping of controversial agriculture laws.