NEW DELHI: Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) Leader Rakesh tikait on Saturday he said they have given the government until October 2 to repeal the agricultural laws, otherwise the agricultural unions agitating against the new laws would plan more protests.
Speaking in the Ghazipur protest site, Tikait said: “We have given the government until October 2 to repeal the laws. After this, we will do more planning.”
The 51-year-old agricultural leader warned that “they will not hold talks with the government under pressure.”
“We will not return home unless our demands are met,” Tikait reiterated, adding that a law on the minimum price of support will be enforced.MSP) of obtaining crops.
In his interaction with reporters, Tikait claimed to have received some input on some “criminals trying to disturb the peace” during the ‘chakka jam’ held today.
“Due to these contributions, we decided to suspend the ‘chakka jam’ in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand,” the union leader quoted.
Amid a tight security setup installed around the Ghazipur protest site, Tikait interacted with security personnel on the other side of the barricade. Head bowed and hands clasped, he said, “My pranaam (respectful greeting) to all of you. Now everyone will protect my farms. ”
Tikait, backed by an army of supporters, told Delhi police officers: “No one can touch the farmland, the farmers it will protect you. Both farmers and soldiers should come forward for it. ”
Farmers unions held a three-hour ‘chakka jam’ across the country, except UP, Uttarakhand and Delhi, today between 12 noon and 3 pm. The police had stepped up their security measures and deployed personnel to all major points in Delhi and other states to maintain law and order.
Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry has ordered the suspension of internet services at the Singhu, Ghazipur and Tikri borders of Delhi and other adjacent areas as well until 11:59 p.m. on 6 February. The decision has been made to “maintain public safety and avoid a public emergency.” said an Interior Ministry official.
Ten stations of the Delhi metro, which were closed on Saturday during the ‘chakka jam’, reopened after the protest ended at 3pm.
Farmers have been protesting at different borders of the national capital since November 26 last year against the three recently enacted agricultural laws: the Trade in Agricultural Products and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act of 2020; the 2020 Farmers’ Empowerment and Protection Agreement on Agricultural Price Guarantee and Services and the Essential Products (Amendment) Act 2020.
Eleven rounds of talks have been held between the government and farmers’ unions protesting their demand to repeal the farm laws. The government had offered to suspend the new farm laws for about 18 months, but the unions rejected the offer.
(With contributions from the agency)
On video: The Center has until October to repeal agricultural laws: Rakesh Tikait
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