Image Courtesy:timesofindia.indiatimes.com
The seventh meetings between farmer leaders and the central government failed to reach a consensus, said farmer leader Kavitha Kuruganti during a virtual conversation with Swaraj India leader Yogendra Yadavo January 4, 2021.
During the last discussion, the central government accepted two of the minor farmers’ demands. On Monday, leaders and Ministers assembled once again to discuss farmers demand for repeal of the three farm laws – the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance & Farm Services Act, the Farmer’s Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act – and the demand for legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP.)
However, Kuruganti said discussions only focused on the three laws for the entirety of the talks.
“It seemed as though the government officials were assessing if we had any demands other than the repeal of the three laws. However, farmer leaders stayed firm that this was the wish of over 400 farmer organisations and protesting farmers across India,” she said.
According to reports, leaders and Ministers took an hour long break during lunch. However, unlike previous meetings, government officials and farmer leaders did not gather to have lunch together. Ministers went to a separate room for discussions. Later, the government agreed to discuss further at a later date.
Thus, the eighth meeting between farmers and the Centre will take place on January 8, 2021.
Meanwhile, Yadav who conversed on the virtual call from Shahjahanpur border reported that farmers continue to live in tents despite the rainwater that was leaking through flimsy covers. He said that the stalemate on Monday seemed to be the government’s way of testing farmers’ resolve.
Later, Yadav sent out a video message regarding the discussion:
The stalemate confirmed the tractor march along Kundli–Manesar–Palwal (KMP) highway on January 6. Accordingly, Desh Jagruti Abhiyan from January 7, burning of the three laws during Lohri on January 13, Lohri and celebration of Mahila Kisan Diwas on January 18 will continue as per schedule. Yadav called on people to come to protest sites to express their support for farmers.
The meeting also strengthened farmers’ resolve to march into Delhi on January 26 following the completion of two months since the start of farmers’ protest in Delhi.
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