No Response from PM Modi Over Death of 750 Farmers During Protest

On Sunday, targeting the Central Government, Rakesh Tikait – leader of Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) said – “About 750 farmers died in the farm movement…There was no condolence from GoI. Country’s farmers feel that perhaps PM Modi is not ‘farmers’ PM…. And consider them (farmers) as separate from the country.”

“The country’s farmers will not leave the protest and go anywhere. If a government can run for five years, then this protest which has the endorsement of the people will continue till Indian government doesn’t pass a law ensuring MSP and repeal three farm laws” – said Mr. Tikait earlier on Friday while explaining that the farmers will not leave the protest and go anywhere.

There have been several rounds of talks between farmer leaders and the Centre but the situation of no progress remains. Since 26^th November last year farmers have been protesting at different places against the following three enacted laws:

• Farmer’s Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020;

• Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and farm Services Act, 2020;

• The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020

The 2020-2021 Indian Farmer’s protest is an ongoing protest against the three farm acts which were passed by the Indian Parliament in September 2020. For the past few months, it has become a stalemate between the central government and the farmers.

There has been a court stay on the farm laws since January 2021. A number of incidents like the 2021 farmer’s Republic Day protest and the Lakhimpur Kheri massacre have resulted in farmer deaths and heavy politicization. Farmers, farmer unions, and their representatives are demanding that the farm laws be repealed and have also stated that they will not accept a compromise. Between 14^th October 2020 and 22^nd January 2021, there have been 11 rounds of talks between the Central government and the farmers.