Amid ongoing protests and demands for a law guaranteeing minimum support price (MSP) for crops, farmer leaders are set to meet with Union ministers Arjun Munda, Piyush Goyal, and Nityanand Rai in Chandigarh today at 6 pm. This marks the fourth round of talks aimed at resolving the deadlock between farmers and the government.
The discussions come after three earlier rounds of talks earlier this month, which yielded agreements on various issues but left three key demands unresolved. Farmer leaders emphasize the urgency of finding a solution before the election code of conduct comes into effect.
Jagjit Singh Dallewal, a prominent farmer leader, stressed the need for the government to expedite the resolution process, urging against any delays. He emphasized that addressing farmers’ demands remains a top priority.
Expectations are high among farmers, who have called for an ordinance to provide a legal guarantee for MSP. They express hope for positive outcomes from today’s meeting, as they continue to press for their demands, including the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations, loan waivers, and pension for farmers and laborers.
Meanwhile, Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait has announced protests in several states to amplify their demands. Although not participating in the Delhi Chalo march this time, the BKU remains vocal in advocating for farmers’ rights.
In the lead-up to today’s meeting, both farmers and security personnel have maintained peace, with no reported confrontations since the last gathering three days ago. However, tensions remain palpable as farmers continue their march to Delhi, facing obstacles such as barricades and roadblocks along the way.
The farmers, equipped with provisions to sustain their protest, are encamped at Shambhu and Khanauri borders between Punjab and Haryana. In response, Delhi’s border points have been fortified, with heightened security measures in place to prevent further escalation.
As discussions resume today, stakeholders await developments with keen interest, hopeful for meaningful progress towards resolving the impasse and addressing the concerns of the farming community.
Sources By Agencies
