UK to raise concerns on farm stir with Modi government
Sandeep Dikshit
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, March 8
The UK Government said it would directly raise “serious and specific concerns” over human rights and freedom to peaceful protests with the Indian Government, especially when Prime Minister Boris Johnson meets PM Narendra Modi on several occasions during the year.
Also read: India summons British envoy over discussion on agriculture reforms in UK Parliament
Responding to a discussion in parliament on issues relating to Press freedom and safety of protesters in India in which all dozen speakers, barring one, criticised New Delhi for its handling of farmers’ protests, the UK Government’s Minister of State for Asia Nigel Adams said London had also asked New Delhi to permit Amnesty International to function since it has an important role in a democracy.
Also read: India condemns UK lawmakers’ debate on farmers’ stir
The UK Government conceded that India’s handling of the protests had caused alarm. At the same time, it said agriculture policy is a domestic matter for the Indian Government.
MPs Khalid Mehmood, Teresa Villiers, Virendra Sharma, Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, Naz Shah, Layla Moran, Seema Malhotra, John McDonell and Brendon O’Hara were among those who sought accountability.
Car-borne youths fire shots at Singhu
Four youths in a car bearing Chandigarh number allegedly fired shots into the air after a brawl at langar over water at Singhu on Sunday night. No one was injured.