Ritik Gupta
In an entire general body discussion of Samyukt Kisan Morcha held on Thursday, the protesting farmer unions denied the proposal put forth by the government to maintain the argumentative farm laws on hold for 1.5 years. A complete abolition of three laws and passing legislation for remunerative MSP (minimum support price) for all farmers were reiterated as the movement’s pending ultimata, said SKM.
“Protesting farmer unions reject govt’s proposal to suspend three farm laws for 18 months,” said SKM in a statement.
“The SKM pays homage to the 143 farmers who have been martyred in this movement so far. These companions are separated from us while fighting this mass movement. Their sacrifice will not go in vain and we will not go back without the repealing of these farm laws,” the statement said.
An entirely categorical abolition of three central farm acts and passing legislation for remunerative MSP for all farmers were reiterated as the movement’s pending demands augmented.
Farmer unions reiterated they would parade with tractors on the outer ring road of Delhi on Republic Day.
“It has been decided that no proposal of government will be accepted until and unless they repeal the laws. In tomorrow’s meet (with government) we’ll say that we’ve only one demand, repeal the laws and legally authorise MSP. All these have been unanimously decided,” said farmer leader Joginder S. Ugrahan.
During their tenth round of negotiations with three central ministers on Wednesday, the two sides agreed to come across Friday.
Cluing in media after a nearly five-hour-long discussion that comprised two breaks, Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar asserted that the government has suggested discontinuing the three laws’ implementation for 1-1.5 years. During that period, a joint committee of representatives from the government and farmers’ sides can proceed with their talks. Those who are protesting on Delhi borders in freezing weather can return to their homes.
