Farmer leaders consider Centre’s proposal to suspend farm laws for 18 months

Image Courtesy:telegraphindia.com

The central government on January 20, 2021 proposed to suspend the three farm laws for one and a half years by submitting an affidavit committing the same to the Supreme Court.

Farmer leaders agreed to discuss the proposal in their January 21 meeting. However, they emphasised that farmers demanded repeal of 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.

On the issue of MSP, the government offered a committee but the farmers rejected it. The next meeting will take place on January 21 at 12 PM wherein farmers will respond to the government proposal.

On Wednesday, leaders discussed National Investigation Agency (NIA) investigations and arrests. The government assured that people associated with the ongoing movement will not be harassed and intimidated using the NIA.

In celebration of Prakash Gurupurab of Shri Guru Gobind Singh Day, people across the world pledged for the success of the farmers’ movement by chanting the Shabad “Deh Siva Baru Mohe” from 11 AM to 1 PM, said farmer leaders in a press release.

The Sanyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) also met with Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh police to discuss the route for the Kisan Parade on January 26. Farmers stood firm on their plan of holding a parade on the Outer Ring Road, while police suggested alternative roads and even recommended that farmers not hold a parade at all.

Regardless, the SKM said that farmers from various parts of the country are reaching Delhi borders to join the movement. Farmers riding thousands of tractors from Lakhimpur and Bijnor of Uttarakhand will soon reach city borders.

In Madhya Pradesh, farmers from Riva, Gwalior, Multai areas continue indefinite sit-in strikes. People also distribute memorandums to the administration at different places. Similarly, farmers visit village-to-village to raise awareness and prepare people for upcoming programs. A huge tractor march was taken out in Bilwani, as well.

Odisha farmers who carried out the Navnirman Sangathan yatra towards Delhi plan to observe a fast till January 26 in protest against the Uttar Pradesh government’s attempt to disturb and reroute the march.

Similarly, people in Punjab and Haryana – not only farmer-labourers but people from every section of the society – have actively participated in the movement. Rajasthan farmers will come to Delhi borders by performing tractor marches, bike rallies and small meetings in northern Rajasthan.

Honouring the many martyrs of the movement, the SKM said, “The entire leadership of the Sanyukta Kisan Morcha pays homage to these martyrs. We all assure that the sacrifice of these farmers will not go in vain. We demand proper compensation to the families of the martyrs.”

The National Alliance of People’s Movement’s (NAPM) Kisan Jyoti Yatra crossed Udaipur, Rajasthan. Widow farmers or family members of farmers who died by suicide are travelling from Yavatmal, Maharashtra to Delhi. Moreover, a massive rally was organised today in Kolkata, West Bengal where the Annadatar Saath Bangla indefinite sit-in strike continues.

Meanwhile, Bihar farmers are agitating in over 20 places in the state.

“The government is presenting this movement by connecting it with a particular section and area. With their struggle, farmers of Bihar have also responded to the argument. In Bihar, one side demonstrations are being held at the villages, district headquarters wherein Patna, AIPF activists also protested in large numbers,” said the SKM.