Hundreds join rally in solidarity with Punjab farmers

The issues started in June after the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) government implemented three new taming bills without input from farmer groups or Kisaan unions.

More than 250 million Indians took part in a national strike in November.

Protests were held in 12 different citites and towns across the UK on December 6, including a 10,000 strong peaceful rally outside of the Indian High Commission in London.

Now people are protesting worldwide to raise awareness of the protests in India supporting farmers who are rallying against new government laws that deregulate the sale of crops, allowing private buyers more free rein to exploit farmers and devalue their crops.

Locally, attendees met outside the Guru Teg Bahadur Gurdwara at 9.45am this morning.

Vehicles from cars, vans, tractors, trucks, bikes and quads were adorned with orange flags.

They were asked to wear orange dastars and chuniya and to stay in their vehicles to adhere to Covid regulations.

The rally then drove on to Guru Har Rai Gurdwara in West Bromwich for 10.30am, before driving to the Indian High Commission in Birmingham for a peaceful protest.

West Midlands Police are also in attendance at the rally.

Delays are expected between West Bromwich and Jewellery Quarter.