Farmers have said this is the government’s “last chance” to recall the controversial laws.
Highlight
- 92 Years Returns to Padma Vibhushan-India India’s Second Highest Civil Award
- Parkash Singh Badal’s Shiromani Akali Dal has also retired from the NDA
- Punjab Athletes and Coaches Group to Return Awards on Dec 5
Chandigarh:
Former Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal became the first to return his award in protest against the treatment given to protesting farmers by the central government. The 92-year-old returned his Padma Vibhushan award, the country’s second highest civilian honor, which he received from the government in 2015.
Badal, whose Shiromani Akali Dal withdrew from the NDA alliance over the farmers’ protest, said he was recording his protest against the government’s “betrayal of farmers”.
A group of Punjab’s top athletes and coaches have said they will return their awards and march to Delhi on December 5 in solidarity with farmers.
“They have maintained a peaceful unrest for several months. But water cannons and tear gas projectiles were used against them,” said Olympic hockey player and Arjuna laureate Sajjan Singh Cheema.
The government will meet with farmers’ representatives today, the second round of talks in a week, as the protests intensify day by day.
Farmers warned yesterday that this round of talks will be the “last chance” to convene an emergency session of parliament and recall the controversial laws.
Farmers fear that the new laws will lead to the removal of the government support price that guarantees them income and leave them exposed to manipulation by companies.
Sources said the government is considering giving farmers a written guarantee that the minimum support price or MSP system will continue.
The protest has entered the eighth day, with Punjab farmers continuing to reach the biorders of Delhi, threatening to block the entrance to the national capital and “take further action” if the Center does not comply with their demands.
Punjab’s Chief Minister Amarinder Singh met with Union Interior Minister Amit Shah today ahead of the Center’s meeting with farmers to help find a friendly solution to the crisis.
“There is a discussion between the farmers and the Center, there is nothing to resolve. I reiterated my opposition in my meeting with the Minister of the Interior and asked him to resolve the issue as it affects the economy of my state and the security of the nation.” , said. he said after the meeting.
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