Even as the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Arjun Munda extended another invitation to the farmer leaders on Wednesday for discussions on their demands including the legal guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP), farmer leaders maintained that holding talks in such an atmosphere is not possible.
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher, speaking from the Shambhu border, criticized the Central Government's approach, highlighting the recent clashes with tear gas shells and rubber bullets resulting in the death of one young protestor. “We did not send any youth at the front, instead leaders themselves went peacefully. The way they attacked us (with tear gas shells), everyone saw that,” said Pandher, emphasizing the challenging environment for constructive dialogue.
Asserting the Centre’s readiness to address various concerns, Munda said: “After the fourth round, the government is ready to discuss all the issues like MSP demand, crop diversification, stubble issue, FIR in the fifth round.”
Amidst differing opinions among farmer leaders regarding the proposed meeting with the Union Minister, uncertainty loomed over the prospect of talks. While some advocate for engagement, others question the efficacy of further discussions given the lack of tangible outcomes from previous rounds.
BKU (Krantikari) member Surjit Singh Phul expressed skepticism, alleging that the government's invitation was merely a stalling tactic. “That is why they have invited us for another round of talks. Either the PM or HM should issue a statement that all demands would be met,” Phul remarked, underscoring the demand for concrete assurances from the highest echelons of government.
As discussions continue within the Shambhu police picket, tensions rise among the youthful demonstrators awaiting resolution. The backdrop of the impending ‘Delhi Chalo’ march adds urgency to the dialogue between the Union Ministers and farm leaders.
Although both sides remain in touch via phone, the likelihood of physical meetings remains uncertain. The farmer leaders have engaged in four rounds of talks with Union Ministers with the latest one held on Sunday, substantive agreements have remained elusive.
The latest proposal from the government, offering to procure five crops at MSP for five years through central agencies, was formally rejected by protesting farmer leaders on Monday. Jagjit Singh Dallewal, representing the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), affirmed that the offer did not align with the farmers’ interests.
Farmers From Across India to Attend SKM Meeting at Chandigarh Today
To strategize and chart the course forward, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) is set to convene a crucial meeting in Chandigarh on Thrusday. Announcing this, senior SKM leader and Bhartiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait on Wednesday emphasized that the inclusive nature of the meeting, stating, “Whatever Punjab farmer organisations are doing, it is not only concerning Punjab but they are raising the issues of the farmers of the entire country.” He said that farmer organizations from across the nation would participate in the Chandigarh meeting to deliberate on the pressing concerns affecting the agricultural community. With the SKM at the forefront, the gathering aims to formulate a cohesive strategy to address the challenges faced by farmers nationwide.
BKU Ugrahan Calls for Special Parliament Session to Enact MSP Law
Punjab’s largest farm union Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta-Ugrahan), led by president Joginder Singh Ugrahan and general secretary Sukhdev Singh Kokri Kalan, has called for a special session of Parliament to enact legislation guaranteeing Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all 23 crops. The Union emphasized the need for peaceful resolution of the ongoing struggle, rejecting the aggressive measures employed by the Central Government to stifle the democratic voice of protesting farmers.
