Farmers unions demand de-escalation of tension at three protest sites as police step up security. Announce country-wide agitation on February 6. Union leaders claim that they will not initiate conditional talks.
Restore internet and lift barricades, make conducive environment to talk- Farmers
Farmers’ Union leaders assert that they are ready to talk but not under pressure. Further, they demanded the restoration of internet facilities and lifting barricades from all the three protest sites. Also, Balbir Singh Rajewal, BKU President claimed that the government is trying to tarnish farmers’ image.
In a press conference, Rajewal encouraged them to continue the peaceful protest. Further, he added that they are not here for war, and this is their country and their government.
Besides, he said that he understands that the Centre was behind the Singhu border incident. He asserted that the BJP is trying to provoke them to break the agitation. However, they will not indulge in any violence. Also, he expressed his gratitude to Rakesh Tikait for his appeal that revived the agitation after Republic Day’s incident. At last, he appealed people to join the peaceful protest in large number.
100 missing since tractor rally- Samyukta Kisan Morcha
Samyukta Kisan Morcha spokesperson Dr Darshan Pal said that 100 people are missing since the tractor rally of January 26. Hence, they have formed a six-member panel to look into the matter. Though the police claim that it has arrested 84 people, they know whereabouts of only 55 people.
In all, farmers are adamant on their demands. Though 90% of farmers held the protest on the marked route, no national media covered it. To conclude, this is the largest peaceful human protest in history. However, its limited coverage is creating a narrative. The farmers have been sitting at borders of the national capital for more than two months now, demanding the repeal of three farm laws and legal status of MSP.