Persistent with their stand, Farmers unions refuse to bow down and have rejected the government’s proposal of suspending implementation of farm laws for 18 months. The next round of talks is expected to take place today.
After the January 20 meeting between Union Minister for Agriculture, Narendra Singh Tomar and Farmer unions, Tomar announced this proposal to the public. During the meeting the unions said they would discuss it.
The January 21 meeting of all protesting farmers unions under Samyukt Kisan Morcha, the umbrella body of 41 protesting farmer unions, announced that full repeal of the laws and legislation for remunerative MSP remain their constant and pending demands, thus rejecting the government’s proposal of temporary suspension of implementation.
Meanwhile, on January 21, the apex court appointed committee on farm laws had a virtual meeting with 10 farmers organisations from Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. As per the press brief, the organisations gave their frank views on the laws and suggested improvement in implementation of the laws.
Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) which represents the protesting farmers unions which have stationed themselves along the border of Delhi, had refused the SC mandate of participating in talks with the committee constituted by it. The committee had received a lot of backlash also because of its composition of members who had previously publicly expressed views in favour of the farm laws.
After more than 50 days of farmers protesting against the three farm laws passed by the Parliament, there has more or less been a stalemate on the situation as the government refuses to relent and as farmers remain persistent on their demand of repeal of the laws.
Related:
Farmer leaders consider Centre’s proposal to suspend farm laws for 18 months
Farmers’ protest: SC issues notice on plea seeking reconstitution of Committee
Delhi Police to decide on Farmers’ entry into Delhi for Republic Day rally: SC
Why is NIA seeking to question Khalsa Aid, other volunteers now?