Farmers protest continue across India as the seventh round of talks between farmers and the government failed to resolve the issue. Both sides stick to their demands until the next round of meeting to take place on 8th January at 2 pm
The government and the farmers’ unions failed to end the deadlock. While the government refused to roll back laws and insisted on clause-by-clause discussion, the farm unions stressed on repealing of laws. On the legal guarantee over MSP, they asked the government when the process for the same would be put in motion.
The next meeting will take place at 2 pm on 8th January.
Farmers Protest: “Nothing Less than the Repeal of Laws will be Accepted” – Union Leaders
Farm union leaders who attended the meeting said that the government explained the benefits of these laws. However, they find these laws pro-corporate and hence will not accept them.
Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait stated that the lunch break took place within the first hour of discussion. Thereafter, both parties went to have lunch separately. The union leaders, like the last time, had bought their lunch. However, this time, the ministers did not join them. Instead, they went on to discuss in a separate room during lunch. The meeting began with paying respect to protestors who lost their lives. Only repeal issue was discussed in the meeting.
Farmers Protest: “Efforts Need to be Made from Both Sides for a Solution” – Narendra Singh Tomar
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Union Agriculture Minister said that he expects a resolution in the next meeting. However, he claimed that efforts need to be from both sides. Further, he added that the government wants farmer unions to discuss three laws clause-wise. Otherwise, they can’t find a solution.
Both parties reached the common ground in the previous session as the government accepted two out of four demands of the unions.
To conclude, farmers have stayed and are protesting at Singhu, Tikri, and Ghazipur border despite the rain, water-logging, and cold. Farmers will accept nothing less than the repeal of these new farm laws and continue protesting.