The protesters at both the places demanded the new laws be repealed, saying they would push Indian farmers towards poverty and give the corporate sectors a monopoly.
"Farmers are the soul of any nation. We must protect our soul. People around the world, including many cities in the US and Canada, have come together to dispose of the bills that will open India's agricultural market to the private sector; allowing major corporations to take over independent farming communities and dilute crops' market value," said Indiana-based Gurinder Singh Khalsa.
Khalsa was one of the organisers of the rally in downtown Indianapolis attended by nearly 500 Sikh Americans from various parts of Indiana.
The protest in Bay Area was organized by the Jakara Movement, a California-based grassroots organization which seeks to strengthen community engagement and build empowerment by focusing on issues of civic engagement, education, health, and social justice.
Organizers said the caravan protest taking place in the Bay Area - along with similar recent protests in New York, Houston, Michigan, Chicago, and Washington, DC - was meant as a show of solidarity, as Sikhs around the world urge international condemnation of the farm bills.
Several US lawmakers voice support for agitating farmers in India
Several US lawmakers have voiced their support for farmers agitating in India against the new farm laws and urged that they be allowed to protest peacefully, according to the Press Trust of India (PTI).
"I stand in solidarity with the Punjabi farmers in India protesting for their livelihoods and protection from misguided, manipulative government regulations," Congressman Doug LaMalfa said adding: "Punjabi farmers must be allowed to protest peacefully against their government without fear of violence."
"India is the world's largest Democracy - they owe it to their citizens to allow peaceful protest. I encourage these folks and PM Modi to have peaceful, productive discussions," Democratic Congressman Josh Harder said.
Democratic Congressman T J Cox said India must uphold the right to peaceful demonstration and ensure their citizens' safety. The rights of farmers protesting must be respected and meaningful dialogue is the way forward.
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