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Michigan's Indian diaspora to hold parade in Detroit in support of farmers in India

india farmers rally
Posted at 12:29 PM, Jan 22, 2021
and last updated 2021-01-22 12:59:49-05

(WXYZ) — Michigan's Indian diaspora will be organizing a peaceful parade this weekend in support of farmers in India.

On Jan. 24, members of the community plan to show global solidarity through a parade in Detroit.

Organizers say more than 3,000 vehicles from the US Midwest region will participate to create awareness of the plight of Indian farmers and show solidarity.

Farmers say the legislation passed by the Indian Parliament in September will lead to the cartelization and commercialization of agriculture, make farmers vulnerable to corporate greed and devastate their earnings, the Associated Press reports.

Tens of thousands of farmers have been blocking key highways connecting the capital with the country’s north for nearly two months. They are organizing a massive tractor rally in New Delhi during Republic Day celebrations next Tuesday. Organizers say two million farmers are expected to participate in the rally.

Republic Day is celebrated in India to mark India's complete transition to becoming an independent republic with a democratic government system.

The AP reports that the government insists the laws will benefit farmers and boost production through private investment. It has repeatedly ruled out withdrawing the legislation but says it could make some amendments.

The parade will begin at 1 p.m. at Comerica Park and will end at 4 p.m. at the James Scott Memorial Fountain.

Attendees are asked to follow state COVID-19 guidelines, wear masks and maintain social distancing.