Around 58 farmers lose their lives as the protest against farm laws enters its 39th day. Farmers harden their stance; announce tractor march towards Delhi if demands not met.
More Than 50 Farmers Have Died Till Now
The number of farmers’ deaths at the Singhu, Tikri, and Ghazipur border touched 58 as two more farmers passed away at Tikri Border. While one farmer hailed from Gangana village of Sonepat, another one was from Sangrur district of Punjab. The majority of farmers have succumbed to the extreme weather conditions. Some have also committed suicide, leaving notes of their plight and hoping for some solution.
Seventh Round of Discussion Today
The central government will hold the seventh round of talks with farmers’ union leaders today at 2 pm. There will be discussions on two topics: rolling back of three farm laws and providing legal status to MSP. In the previous session, the government agreed to keep farmers out of the Air Quality Management Commission’s penal provisions in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Ordinance, 2020. Also, it decided to withdraw the Electricity Amendment Bill 2020 as per farmers’ demand.
Demands Remain Same
Sukhwinder S Sabra, Joint Secretary, Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, ahead of today’s round of discussion, said their demands are the same. If not met, they will hold a tractor march on Jan 6 and on Jan 26. Several farmers at the protest site claim that the government should leave stubbornness. ‘All our firewood, clothes and blankets have drenched due to waterlogging caused by the rains’, said Harmeet Singh Kadian, one of the farmers’ leaders. Further, he added that though they have some LPG cylinders, it would not suffice the needs of all. However, farmers are adamant and have even gathered things to celebrate Lohri at the protest site.
Analysts don’t expect a conclusion in Monday’s discussions. They claim that it is unlikely that both will find the middle ground in this session of discussion.
In all, despite having been sitting in harsh weather for more than a month, farmers have the same enthusiasm as they had on day one of the protest.