Congress activists hold placards next to a burning an effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi while blocking a road during a protest in support of the nationwide general strike called by farmers against the recent agricultural reforms in Kolkata on December 8, 2020
New Delhi: Reminding the government importance of "the very organic Jawan-Kisan link", more than 100 veterans of the Indian Armed Forces have come in support of the protesting farmers.
A joint statement by the veterans stated that they are supporting the farmers "unconditionally and unequivocally" for their rightful demands being conveyed in a democratic and peaceful manner.
The ex-military leaders, while expressed empathy with the farmers, also condemned the use of force on them with tear-gas and water cannons.
The statement urged the Central government to consider the demands of agitating farmers to repeal the laws "since no prior consultation with the primary was held."
The statement cautioned that neglecting the importance of the Jawan-Kisan link "can seriously affect our country's security."
We (undersigned veterans) stand in solidarity with our farmers & support unequivocally.
— ପ୍ରିୟଦର୍ଶୀ/प्रियदर्शी/Priyadarshi/ਪ੍ਰਿਯਦਰਸ਼ੀ (@MajChowdhury) December 8, 2020
More than 80% of the serving Armed Forces come from villages of India. Veterans from my Unit/Regt are in protests, after the barbarous assault on them enroute to Delhi. This is UNACCEPTABLE. pic.twitter.com/0PaDVXW8fA
The army veterans urged the government to accept the demands of agitating farmers and agitating workers.