The farmers’ unions on Friday warned of intensifying their ongoing protest against the Centre’s contentious new farm laws if the government refuses to agree to their demand for repeal of the farm laws and a legal assure for minimum assistance cost (MSP) for crops.
Addressing a press conference at the Singhu border protest web site, the farmers’ leaders mentioned that only 5 per cent of their troubles have so far been discussed in meetings with the government. On the contrary, Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Wednesday had mentioned that a consensus has been reached amongst farmers’ leaders and the government “on two out of four issues”. Swaraj India chief Yogendra Yadav has also refuted Centre’s claim and mentioned, “The claims that 50 per cent of issues have been resolved are false. Our two main demands — three farm bills should be scrapped and legal guarantee on minimum support price (MSP) are still pending.”
Meanwhile, farmer leader Vikas Sisar told PTI that they will commence shutting all malls and petrol pumps in Haryana if their demands are not met on January 4. “If the January 4 meeting with the government fails to end the deadlock, we will announce dates for shutting all malls, petrol pumps in Haryana,” he mentioned.
Besides, Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Friday mentioned the government is hopeful of a “positive outcome” at its subsequent meeting with farmers’ unions on January 4 but refrained from predicting no matter whether the seventh round of talks will be the final 1, saying he is not an astrologer.
Speaking to PTI, the minister mentioned that the final meeting held on December 30, occurred in a cordial atmosphere and there is a possibility of positive final results in the interest of farmers and of the country’s farm sector at the subsequent meeting.
On farmer unions sticking to their demand for the repeal of 3 farm laws and rejecting the government’s proposal to recommend options, Tomar mentioned: “We will see.” Asked no matter whether he expects the January 4th meeting to be the final 1, the minister mentioned: “I cannot say for sure now. I am not an astrologer. I am hopeful that whatever decision would be arrived at (in the meeting) will be in the interest of the country and of the farmers.”