India’s PM to repeal farm laws that sparked massive global protests

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Friday his government will withdraw the controversial farm laws that prompted year-long protests from tens of thousands of farmers who said the laws will shatter their livelihoods.

Modi made the surprise announcement during a televised speech that was broadcast live, saying he’s “apologizing” to the country. The process of repealing the laws will begin in December.

Shortly after, celebrations broke out, including many in Canada.

The parties have started in the West on the announcement from PM Modi of India that after almost 2 years of protests, the 3 farm/black laws WILL BE REPEALED! #Modi #repealfarmlaws #FarmersProtest #surrey #brampton #farmers #party #scottroad #bhangra @steeletalk pic.twitter.com/ciCwB9moJG

— Harv Grewal (@HarvGrewal) November 19, 2021

The announcement came on the day of the Guru Purab festival, when Sikhism founder Guru Nanak’s birthday is celebrated, and ahead of key elections in states like Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. Most of the protesters were Sikh farmers from Punjab.

More than 600 farmers died in the largest protest in history. For more than a year farmers from across India demanded for the controversial laws to be repealed – this sparked protests across the world in solidarity. More on this major news tonight @CityNewsVAN #FarmersProtest https://t.co/PIIFv22xNp

— Tarnjit Kaur Parmar (@Tarnjitkparmar) November 19, 2021

The laws were passed in September last year and the government had defended them, saying they were necessary to modernize India’s agricultural sector and will boost production through private investment. But the farmers protested, saying the laws will devastate their earnings by ending guaranteed pricing and force them to sell their crops to corporations at cheaper prices.

One of the images that captured the world's attention about the #FarmersProtest. Farmers from Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and across India camped out in Dehli since last Nov. This switch in position from Modi also comes three months before state election in Punjab and UP. @CityNewsVAN pic.twitter.com/n6aC8F2VUW

— Tarnjit Kaur Parmar (@Tarnjitkparmar) November 19, 2021

The government had so far yielded very little to the drawn-out demonstrations that posed one of the biggest political challenges to Modi, who swept polls for the second time in 2019.

In November last year, the farmers escalated their movement by hunkering down on the outskirts of New Delhi, where they have camped out for nearly a year, including through a harsh winter and a coronavirus surge that devastated India earlier this year.

The demonstrations have posed one of the biggest political challenges to Modi, who swept polls for the second time in 2019.

From Scott Road and 72nd – people are out celebrating the plans to repeal the three controversial farm laws. That's the same spot they'd gone to rally many times before in support of the farmers – tonight they celebrate. @CityNewsVAN #FarmersProtest #DeltaBC #SurreyBC pic.twitter.com/zOmO97rsWZ

— Tarnjit Kaur Parmar (@Tarnjitkparmar) November 19, 2021

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Solidarity protests were held in cities around Canada including Vancouver, Halifax, Toronto, and Winnipeg.

Political leaders in this country spoke out in support of the protesters, condemning the Indian government’s response.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’ said, “Canada will always be there to defend the right of peaceful protest.” That remark drew the ire of the Modi government which accused Trudeau of interfering in India’s affairs, potentially damaging relations with Canada. When asked whether he thought his remarks were harmful to Canada-India relations, Trudeau doubled down and said Canada will always stand up for human rights and peaceful protests everywhere.

MP Harjit Sajjan, who was the federal defense minister at the time, also condemned the Indian government’s violent repression of the protests.

“The reports of peaceful protesters being brutalized in India are very troubling. Many of my constituents have family there and are worried about the safety of their loved ones. Healthy democracies allow peaceful protest. I urge those involved to uphold this fundamental right.

The reports of peaceful protesters being brutalized in India are very troubling. Many of my constituents have family there and are worried about the safety of their loved ones. Healthy democracies allow peaceful protest. I urge those involved to uphold this fundamental right. https://t.co/myWev8t3uW

— Harjit Sajjan (@HarjitSajjan) November 28, 2020

In British Columbia, when a convoy of protesters showed up at the legislature in Victoria, Premier John Horgan who tweeted his hopes for a peaceful resolution and his opposition to the violent government crackdown in Delhi.

“Many British Columbians come from farming families in India & it’s been stressful for them to witness reaction to farmers’ peaceful protests. I understand their anguish & hope everyone is safe. I strongly believe in the democratic process & hope a peaceful solution is found soon,” he wrote in February.

Many British Columbians come from farming families in India & it's been stressful for them to witness reaction to farmers' peaceful protests. I understand their anguish & hope everyone is safe. I strongly believe in the democratic process & hope a peaceful solution is found soon.

— John Horgan (@jjhorgan) February 1, 2021

With files from the Canadian Press