Shift to Burari, will hold talks forthwith: Shah tells farmers

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, Nov 28

Union Home Minister Amit Shah today appealed to the agitating farmers to shift from the border points to the designated protest site at the Burari Ground, assuring them that the Centre was ready for talks. “The government is ready to deliberate on every problem and demand,” he stressed.

“If farmers' unions want to hold discussions before December 3, I want to assure you that as soon as you shift your protest to the designated site, our government will hold talks to address your concerns the very next day.” The Delhi Police on Friday had granted the farmers permission to gather at the Burari Ground. However, a number of farm leaders said the protesters were adamant on staging a demonstration at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.

In Chandigarh, Punjab CM Capt Amarinder Singh urged the farmers to reciprocate Shah's gesture. On the latter's offer to hold talks at the earliest, he said: "It is in the best interest of the farming community and the nation. It reflects the Centre’s willingness to listen to the farmers." Capt Amarinder said the farmers had already won half the battle by bringing the Centre to the negotiating table." The Punjab Government is willing to mediate to find an early solution to your problems," he added.

Talks on Tuesday, claim BJP sources

Considering the support to farmers, the Centre is set to invite Punjab’s farm unions for talks on Tuesday, BJP sources said. A mediator between the farmers and the Centre said Home Minister Amit Shah would head the talks. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Agriculture Minister NS Tomar too would be present. Shah spoke to Joginder Singh Ugrahan of the BKU earlier in the day. — Vishav Bharti