Farmers Protest: Centre-farmer unions' meeting remains inconclusive; next talks on 8 January

The 7^th round of the meeting between Centre and Farmer remains inconclusive, and the next meeting is scheduled on 8 January. Union Agriculture Minister Tomar said, “Both the sides need to make effort to reach at a positive result, Taali dono haath se bajti hai.” 

Just before the meeting, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal gave a statement saying, “Salute to the resolve of the farmers staying firm on the roads despite rains and cold. I appeal to the Central Government to accept all the demands of the farmers, and withdraw three black laws in today’s meeting.”  

Here is detailed information about today’s meeting and important highlights. 

Ministers observe a two-minute silence for farmers who died during the protest

Union Ministers Narendra Singh Tomar, Piyush Goyal, and Som Prakash along with other government officials and farmers’ representatives observe a two-minute silence, maun for the farmers who died during the on-going protest.  

Deadlock Continues

Just like previous meeting, the deadlock continued today also over the withdrawal of three laws. Union Ministers listed various benefits of the laws but farmers’ leaders were still wanted the withdrawal of laws.  

Ministers in Huddle 

Unlike the last meeting, ministers did not take the lunch with farmers today. They went into a huddle to discuss the way forward. They had discussion in the separate room during the break.

Government Ready to Form a Joint Committee 

Government said that they are ready to form a joint committee to decide that what amendments are required to these laws, and also ready to give the written assurance on the MSP. But, just like the last time, farmers rejected this proposal of the government.  

Meeting Ended without any Conclusion 

7^th round of the meeting also ended without any conclusion. Farmers are firm on their demand to repeal these laws. And Union ministers said that they will talk to the farmers’ organizations once again. And the next round is scheduled on January 8.  

We won’t Go back before the Withdrawal of Laws: Rakesh Tikait 

After the meeting, farmers’ organization leader, Rakesh Tikait daid, “On 8 January, once again there will be a meeting with government, and we have told the government, if there won’t be the return of law, we won’t return to our home.” 

Discussion is Necessary before the Withdrawal of Laws: Tomar 

Agricultural Minister, Narendra Singh Tomar said, “we will have a talk with the farmers of other states all over the country, as their interest also matters. Many farmers are supporting these laws, and believe that these laws are beneficial for them. We can take any decision only after talking to them. Therefore, next meeting is scheduled on 8 January.” 

Tomar added that, “we hope that we will reach to a conclusion in the next meeting.”