NEW DELHI, Jan 5 (NNN-PTI) – The seventh round of talks between protesting farmers and the government ended inconclusively yesterday, as the farmer leaders insisted on the repeal of the three contentious farm laws, a demand rejected by the ministers.
However, both sides agreed to meet again on Friday, for the eighth round, aimed at breaking the impasse.
The government side was represented by Agriculture Minister, Narendra Singh Tomar, Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal and junior minister for commerce and industry, Som Prakash, while farmers were represented by leaders from 41 farmers’ unions.
“Keeping in mind the discussions during the previous meeting, the government is committed to finding a solution on farmers’ issues with an open mind. Both sides need to take steps forward to find the solution,” Tomar told the media after the meeting.
“Keeping in mind welfare of the farmers, talks regarding farm laws will be held with all farmers unions representatives, from different states and clause-wise discussion on farm laws can be carried forward to resolve contentious issues.”
The meeting started with a two-minute silence for the protesting farmers, who have died during the agitation.
Over 60 farmers, occupying roads at the Delhi border, have died, mostly due to extreme weather conditions.
The farmers threatened to hold a rally on India’s Republic Day, on Jan 26, if their demands were not met.
Thousands of farmers have been protesting for over a month, in and around the capital, New Delhi, occupying roads, and demanding withdrawal of three farm laws.
Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has been strongly defending the laws, since the protest broke out, in the last week of Nov, 2020.– NNN-PTI
