Ahead of Modi-Biden meet, Tikait asks US Prez to ‘focus’ on farmers’ struggle

Hours ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s bilateral talks with US President Joe Biden, Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) spokesperson Rakesh Tikait on Friday urged the latter to focus on the concerns of many Indian farmers, who have been protesting against the controversial farm laws passed by the Centre, during the meet.

Tikait talked about their protest against the farm laws and said hundreds of farmers have died during their agitation. In a previous video message, Tikait has appealed to non-resident Indian (NRI) farmers from the US to hold a protest during PM Modi’s programme in New York on Saturday in support of the 10-month-long farmers’ agitation at Delhi’s borders. This is trending on social media in India.

In a tweet, Tikait said at least 700 farmers have died in less than a year while protesting against the three

farms laws. “Dear @POTUS, we the Indian Farmers are protesting against 3 farm laws brought by PM Modi’s govt. 700 farmers have died in the last 11 months protesting.

These black laws should be repealed to save us. Please focus on our concern while meeting PM Modi,” Tikait, tweeted tagging him.

Earlier, in a video message, Tikait has “We appeal to all Indians living in the US. India’s prime minister will be there on September 25 in New York for a programme. “All Indians in the US should place a ‘farmers’ flag on their vehicles and raise banners of ‘No Farmer No Food’ and register your protest in support of farmers,” he said.

As the farmers protests have completed 302 on Friday, the agitating farmers groups under the banner of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha has given a call for a complete Bharat Bandh on September 27 to ensure

all roads, trains, markets and educational institutions will remain closed from 6am to 4 pm.

Leaders of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha have urged farmers, members of trade unions and Government employees to support the Bharat Bandh call.