As the farmers’ unions rejected the government’s proposal, the 11th round of talks between the Centre and farmers ended in a deadlock on Friday. According to Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, suspension of agri laws for a mutually agreed period was the “best offer” he had.
Tomar asked the unions to reconsider his offer and to get back by Saturday, if they decide in its favour. He said, “Even though there was nothing wrong in the laws, for the benefit of farmers and respect for their agitation, the government came up with several proposals. You (unions) launched agitations even as you were engaged in talks with us. We didn’t object. The vision (at your end) was lacking.”
He also hinted at “differences” among the unions regarding the government’s offer as fifteen unions are said to have voted in the favour of the Centre’s offer.
“We gave a proposal to farmers and if they have a better proposal then they can come to us,” said the government to the farmer during the meeting.
“Government has made it clear that if we are willing to accept their proposal, only then the next round of meeting will take place,” said Rakesh Tikait, spokesperson of Bhartiya Kisan Union.
In an interesting turn of events, agitating farmers on Kundli border nabbed a miscreant in police uniform late Friday evening, whom they alleged was sent by someone to create disturbance in their peaceful agitation.
Members of Punjab farmers’ union held a press conference late night and alleged that the government wanted to create disturbance in their peaceful agitation. The youth is being quizzed by Haryana police in Sonepat, officials said on Saturday.
On the other hand, Punjab chief minister (CM) Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday announced that ₹5 lakh will be given to the family of those Punjab farmers who lost their lives during the protest against the farm laws and one member will be given a government job.
Talking about the tractors parade on January 26, Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) (Lakhowal) general secretary Harinder Singh Lakhowal said that lakhs of farmers would peacefully hold the Republic Day parade on their tractors in Delhi. He said the parade would set an example of unity among farmers from across the nation and their resolve to fight the ruling dispensation till the acceptance of their demands.
