India's Agricultural Reform Act Protests Spread Into Britain
JAKARTA - Action against agricultural reform in India extends to London, England. Thousands of protesters staged a protest in front of the Indian Embassy.
The protesters also blocked traffic in the city center. Britain is home to the largest Indian diaspora. Moreover, many of the British have their family roots from India.
The day #London stood still as 10,000s of Panjabis show their support for the protesting Farmer in Panjab & across India. pic.twitter.com/3FyVDYmSLg #IndiaSupportFarmerProtest
- # ਕਿਸਾਨ # ਪੰਜਾਬ 🔥 (@ laddibawa19) December 7, 2020
Reported by Reuters on Monday, December 7, demonstrations became the spotlight of health authorities because many of the participants did not wear masks, let alone keep their distance.
Police arrested 13 people for violating the COVID-19 health protocol. However, four of them were later released after paying a number of fines.
Protests held outside Indian High commission in London in Solidarity with the Ongoing Farmers Issue in India. #Khalistan #KhalistanZindabad #Khalistani #Formersprotest #formerprotest pic.twitter.com/s4LOudwGzn
- AHMAD FARAZ (@ h4honour) December 7, 2020
Police also confiscated fireworks carried by protesters. Even so the action was peaceful. There were no injuries. The masses dispersed in an orderly manner, making traffic smooth again.
"The capital is still participating in fighting the pandemic. It is very important for all of us to play our part in the fight against COVID-19, ”said Police Commander Paul Brogden in a statement.
Previously, tens of thousands of farmers in India took to the streets to protest against three laws which they deemed harmful.
The points of the law that are feared are that the government will stop buying wheat and rice from Indians at guaranteed prices.
As a result, farmers have become dependent on the mercy of private entrepreneurs who often offer unreasonable prices.