Protest against farm laws enters 19th day as farmers’ unions reject the government’s proposal. While the centre remains open for more discussions for amendments in-laws, farmers declare escalating the protest if three farm laws are not withdrawn.
Seven hundred tractor trolleys from Amritsar are moving towards Delhi’s Kundli border. Amid the protest, several borders Singhu, Tikri, Ghazipur, and Chilla (Delhi-Noida) border have been closed for around two weeks now.
Full-Scale Protest by Second Week of December
After rejecting the government’s proposal sent on Wednesday, the Farmers’ unions announced that there would be a full-scale protest. They have announced to block the Delhi-Jaipur highway by December 12. Also, Toll collection barriers (toll plazas) on the National and State Highways across the country will be freed on the 12th. Further, they added that they would block all the roads leading to Delhi. Also, farmers will gherao the houses and offices of all BJP MPs, MLAs in Punjab. Accordingly, the Delhi police have beefed up security over the borders.
Government is Ready for Making Amendments in Laws: Agriculture Minster
In a press conference on 10th December, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said that the government is ready for more alterations and talks. He also emphasised that it is not right for farmers to intensify protest as they are still in talks. Besides, addressing the farmers’ concerns over MSP, he said that the government is ready to give a written assurance on MSP. However, he declined to commit to framing any law to protect MSP. Further, noting farmers’ unions’ apprehensions over the weakening of APMCs and contract farming, he highlighted that the government is ready to empower states to register traders and trade agreements. This will allow them to levy taxes and cess on private mandis. Further, he added that no law is entirely good or bad. So, the government is open to more discussions, provide clarifications, and make amendments.
Unsatisfied with the proposal of amendments, farmers continue to stand firm on their demand for the rollback of laws. They assert that there is no meaning of assurances as it lacks legal backing. On the other hand, BJP has started planning a campaign in favour of the farm bills to create awareness among the farmers. It will hold Kisan Sammelans and chaupals at 100 locations across the country. Agriculture Minister has urged farmers to end the agitation as the government will make reforms in-laws after talks. Now it is to see when the deadlock will end.