With the seventh round of talks between the farmer groups and the central government taking place on Monday, the farmer groups said on Friday they would intensify their agitation if the government did not resolve their demands to repeal the three controversial agricultural reforms and a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) during the meeting. Speaking to journalists at the Singhu border in Delhi, the leaders of the groups noted that only five percent of the issues raised by them have been discussed in meetings with the Union ministers. Farmers have also warned of a tractor rally on Wednesday if reforms are not repealed.
Farmers have been protesting against agricultural reforms at various border points in the national capital for more than a month. Union agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar told the PTI news agency that the Center expected a positive outcome in the seventh round of talks with farmers’ groups, adding that the previous meeting held on December 30 took place. in a friendly atmosphere and there was a possibility of positive results resulting in the interest of farmers at the next meeting on Monday.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Traffic Police reported on Saturday that Tikri, Singhu, Jharoda and other borders remained closed to the movement of traffic and urged travelers to opt for alternative routes. A 57-year-old farmer, who was a supporter of Baghpat’s Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), died at the UP Gate protest site on Friday due to harsh weather conditions. Police said the farmer’s family did not opt for an autopsy and his body was sent to their village for the last rites. On the eve of the New Year, tribute was paid to all the farmers who lost their lives in the middle of the fighting. A candlelight march was also held.
Follow the live updates here:
Sindhu and Tikri borders continue to be blocked
The Delhi Traffic Police said on Saturday that the Singhu and Tikri borders in the national capital remained blocked due to ongoing agitation against the Center’s agricultural reforms. The police urged travelers to take alternative routes to reach Delhi through the Chilla, Anad Vihar, DND, Apsara and Bhopra borders.
More than 850 academics from India support the new agricultural laws
More than 850 academics from different parts of the country have supported the agricultural reforms approved by parliament in September saying that these reforms seek to free agricultural trade from restrictions and allow farmers to sell their products at competitive prices. In a statement issued, the academics said: “The new laws give farmers full autonomy to sell their products. We strongly believe in the government’s assurance to farmers to protect their livelihoods. The government is still firmly committed to complying with the principle of minimum government, maximum governance. ”
.
