New Delhi / Chandigarh, October 11
Amid escalating protests against the new agricultural laws, the Center has invited 29 agricultural unions in Punjab to speak on October 14. A communication from the Secretary (Agriculture), Sanjay Agarwal, to the representatives of these unions says: “Farmers in Punjab are protesting regarding certain issues. The Government of India has always taken agricultural issues very seriously. That is why the Center wants to dialogue with you ”.
EDITORIAL: Fighting for farmers
Subsequently, these unions have decided to meet at Desh Bhagat Yaadgar Hall in Jalandhar on October 13, one day before the proposed meeting. Bharti Kisan (Ugrahan) Union Secretary Shingara Singh Mann said: “The opinion of different groups will be sought on whether we should negotiate with the Center or continue our agitation until the controversial agricultural laws are withdrawn.” Union Bharti Kisan (Qadian) President Harmeet Singh also said that the meeting would decide the next course of action.
“The central government has sent another invitation to the members of the 29 farmers’ organizations for another meeting in New Delhi on October 14.
The sources said the Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar could attend the October 14 meeting “depending on the response to the invitation.” In a meeting with Tomar and Rajnath Singh last week, the main concern of the farmer leaders was the minimum support price (MSP). They insisted that acquisitions under the MSP become a punishable offense. However, Rajnath argued that this would hamper the functioning of mandis. – TNS
