New Delhi: With the Delhi Police probing alleged Khalistani links in connection with the R-Day Tractor Rally violence, India citing the Capitol Hill riot has sought assistance of the United States in investigating the Khalistani group 'Sikhs for Justice' and their secessionist campaign 'Referendum 2020'.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) while responding to a poser about the remarks made by the US on the ongoing farmers’ protests said it is “important to see such comments in their entirety”.
“The incidents of violence and vandalism at the historic Red Fort on the 26th of January have evoked similar sentiments and reactions in India as did the incidents on the Capitol Hill on the 6th of January and are being addressed as per respective local laws,” the MEA added.
Asserting that New Delhi and Washington are “both vibrant democracies”, the MEA said the US “has acknowledged steps taken by India in agricultural reform”.
Recognising that peaceful protests are a hallmark of a thriving democracy, the United States earlier on Wednesday said it welcomes steps that would improve the efficiency of India’s markets and attract greater private sector investment.
“We recognise that peaceful protests are a hallmark of any thriving democracy and note that the Indian Supreme Court has stated the same,” a State Department spokesperson said.
The farmer leaders and the Centre have so far held 11 rounds of talks but this has failed to break the deadlock over the former’s demands on MSP and repeal of three farm laws, including the Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020; the Farmers Empowerment and Protection Agreement on Price Assurance and Agricultural Services Act, 2020; and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.