HfHR Stands in Solidarity With India's Farmers

Hindus for Human Rights stands with the farmers in India who have come together in one of the largest ongoing movements demanding the repeal of the three contentious farm laws, which were passed in a highly irregular parliamentary process.
The farmers have been protesting peacefully for more than two months now, following the principles of ahimsa (non-violence). The protest sites have reaffirmed our faith in the idea of unity in diversity that defines India. People from all walks of life have come together to help in every possible way; doctors, nurses, barbers, students, housewives, sportspeople have united in their efforts to provide seva at the protest sites. Support for the farmers has poured in from across the world, reflecting the spirit of vasudhaiva kutumbakam — the whole world as one family.
We pay our respects to the souls of our farmers who have been martyred in the protests. More than 150 farmers have died so far. They shall not be forgotten, and their sacrifice inspires us to stand even stronger in the fight against injustice. 
Right to protest is a fundamental right and our farmers in India have set an example that will inspire generations to come. They have nonviolently resisted water cannons, tear gas, police beating, and continue to do so. The events on 26th January by fringe elements are condemnable and we strongly denounce all forms of violence. Videos and images are emerging of police and hooligans unleashing violence on the farmers. Hinduism believes that power should be used to protect the weak and strengthen their voice, not silence and crush them. We condemn police brutality in India and urge the government to take action against officers and infiltrators for use of excessive force.

Perspective from the Ground 

One of our board members, Vijayendra Kadalabal represented HfHR in the “Jan Gantantra Divas'' tractor rally organized by multiple farmer groups in Karnataka as a show of support to the ongoing struggle in Delhi. The scene was a sea of Tirangas (the Indian National Flag) showcasing their respect to the nation, and there were repeated announcements to ensure peace and keep violence at bay. It was an inspirational experience for Vijayendra to be shoulder to shoulder with farmers who were reclaiming the Republic on Republic Day. The tractor rally was 27 kms long, extremely well organized and free of any incident. Patriotic slogans were all around and gave the group energy to go on and reach the Freedom Park in Bangalore which was the meeting point for all the rallies. 
Vijayendra interacted with many youth and elderly farmers who had travelled from various parts of Karnataka to participate in the Bangalore protest. All his interactions conveyed how angry India’s farmers are with the Government for passing laws without consultation. The farmers he spoke to had read the laws, understood the laws perfectly, and were convinced that these laws were going to put them at the mercy of the corporates. They were fully prepared for a long haul struggle. The same message is reinforced in many reports coming from Delhi protest sites as well. 
We stand with the farmers in India in their continued resistance against an increasingly autocratic government and pray yet again, “Annadata Sukhi Bhava” (Please shower blessing to our givers of food)