Will respect PM’s dignity, protect farmers’ self-respect: Tikaits

NEW DELHI: Protesting farmers will honour the dignity of the PM, but are committed to protecting their self-respect, the Tikait brothers leading the agitation asserted on Sunday, a day after Modi said his government was a "phone call away" for talks with the unions.

Both Naresh and Rakesh Tikait said they were open to talks with the government to find a "middle path", which the former suggested could be the BJP government not implementing the laws during its tenure. Rakesh, the younger of the two and BKU national spokesperson, said a "respectful solution" must be found to the issue, but asserted they will not agree to anything under pressure.

Rakesh said they will honour and respect the dignity of PM, and added the farmers don't want the government or Parliament to "bow down to them".

However, he added they will ensure the self-respect of farmers is protected. Both the brothers condemned Republic Day violence and said it was unacceptable, even though they alleged it was the result of a conspiracy. They said the Tricolour was above everything and they

will never let anyone disrespect it. The Delhi Police has registered 40 cases and made 80 arrests in the violence and vandalism. Rakesh demanded the government release their men to prepare an environment conducive for talks.

Naresh, the elder brother and BKU national president said: "Talks are necessary. A solution should be found. The

farmers have been protesting for over 2 months. Their demands should be met. The middle path could be that the BJP govt assures farmers it won't implement the three laws during its tenure. We will also try convincing the farmers. What else can be better than this?" he suggested. "We respect the PM’s post...farmers should be respected too,” he said.