Catholic Church leaders have pledged solidarity with thousands of Indian farmers who are protesting on the borders of New Delhi demand-ing the repeal of three controversial farm laws enacted two months ago.
Thousands of farmers from Punjab have blocked entry and exit points to New Delhi after police stopped their march to the national capital. Farmer unions on Nov. 29 threatened to block all roads to New Delhi if they were not allowed to demonstrate on a public ground within the city.
They want the federal government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to unconditionally withdraw the laws enacted on Sept.20 as part of farm reforms.
“These laws are not meant for the welfare of the farmers, and if they are implemented in the current form, it will be disastrous for the small and medium-level farmers,” said Bishop Alex Vadakumthala, chair of the Indian bishops’ commission for labour.