Talks between farmers and Centre remain inconclusive, farmers to continue protest and return for talks

Last updated on February 21st, 2023 at 12:19 pm

Farmers to continue protest: Talks between farmers and the Centre met an inconclusive end by Tuesday end of the day. Farmers have been demanding rollback of all the three legislations that were recently imposed in farm sector. Farmers’ unions have also rejected government’s proposal of setting up an expert committee to review the three highly controversial laws. The communication lines, however, remain open as the farmer unions have agreed to continue constructive dialogue. 

The meeting was held in Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi and lasted for about three and a half hours. The talks with farmers were led by Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar. He said later in a media briefing, “The meeting was good, and we have decided to hold the next round of talks on December 3. We wanted a small group to be constituted, but the farmer leaders wanted the talks to be held with everyone. We do not have a problem with it.”

The meeting was participated by representatives of 35 farmer unions. From government the attendees were Mr. Tomar, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal and Minister of Commerce and Industry Som Prakash. 

Farmer leaders have been asked to submit a detailed evaluation and analysis with their specified objections regarding the new laws by Wednesday, ahead of the Thursday meeting. 

Meanwhile, the protests continued as thousands of farmers remain camped at Delhi borders. For sixth consecutive day this has led to complete blocking of capital’s two entrances. 

Darshan Pal, president of Kisan Krantikari Union, who was also present at meeting as one of the Punjab’s farmer leaders, said, “We wanted the government to suspend the three laws while the negotiations are held, but they said that would not be possible. They asked us to stop the agitation, but our protest will continue. It will be intensified until our demand for appeal of the three laws is met.” 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reassured farmers of the new laws in farming sector and said that these reforms will provide farmers with greater opportunities. 

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