Hindustan Times (Delhi)

Unions reject offer to put farm laws on hold

- Zia Haq letters@hindustant­imes.com

Farm unions protesting three new agricultur­al laws have rejected the Union government’s offer to put the legislatio­n in abeyance for at least one-and-a-half years — a decision that has deepened the crisis just when it appeared that a 56-day-long agitation by tens of thousands of farmers on the Capital’s borders could finally be resolved.

In the 10th round of negotiatio­ns with a 41-member delegation representi­ng farm unions on Wednesday, the Union government offered to suspend the three pieces of legislatio­n in its most far-reaching proposal yet.

But the farmers, instead of agreeing to meet the government midway, hardened their already rigid position on Thursday, saying they will not budge from their demand for a complete repeal of the laws.

After several rounds of internal discussion­s over the government offer, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, the platform of farm unions leading the agitation, said on Thursday evening that the farmers had unanimousl­y rejected the proposal.

“The proposal to suspend the

NEW DELHI:

The Centre had proposed to suspend the three contentiou­s agri laws for 18 months, and form a joint committee to end the months-long agitation by cultivator­s at Delhi’s borders.

Farm leaders’ decision only deepens the standoff with no apparent resolution in sight ahead of the 11th round of talks between the two sides today.

Despite not being given permission yet, protesters plan to hold a tractor rally at Delhi’s outer ring road on Republic Day, Jan 26.

The matter is also being heard by the Supreme Court, and the next hearing is likely in early Feb.

laws is not acceptable because our demand is a repeal of the laws,” said Darshan Pal, a senior leader of the agitation.

A statement put out by the unions said a full general body meeting of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha was held on Thursday. “The proposal put forth by the

llThe protesting farm unions on Thursday unanimousl­y rejected the government’s offer, saying they won’t budge from their demand seeking a repeal of the new laws. Some farm leaders also said the government’s offer would ‘divert and delay’ the farmers’ demands.

government yesterday, was rejected. A full repeal of three central farm acts and enacting a legislatio­n for remunerati­ve MSP [minimum support price] for all farmers were reiterated as the pending demands of the movement,” the statement said.

In Wednesday’s talks, the government said that it would move an affidavit before the Supreme Court stating it’s decision to put the laws in abeyance till a solution to farmers’ demands was found. To discuss the issues raised by farmers, which includes a law guaran

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