Unions won’t end stir, say panellists pro-laws

Aditi Tandon

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 12

Farmers’ unions on Tuesday rejected the SC-appointed committee, alleging it comprised “pro-legislation” members. They said the agitation would continue till the laws were repealed.

‘Suspension of laws holds no significance’

The panel includes only experts who support government’s viewpoint. The suspension of laws doesn’t hold significance. - Joginder Singh Ugrahan, BKU (Ugrahan)

Who suggested names to SC, asks Congress

• Congress’s Randeep Surjewala asked: “Who suggested panellists’ names to the SC? What justice can farmers expect from a pro-laws panel?”
• NCP chief Sharad Pawar, however, welcomed the panel

Representatives of 32 Punjab-based unions said all four committee members had been openly advocating the laws. “Even if the court forms another committee, we will not engage with it. The move is an attempt to scuttle our agitation,” a union leader at Singhu border said. “We will talk to the government, but won’t let it put the onus on the apex court,” said Darshan Pal of Sanyukta Kisan Morcha.

All panel members have in recent past favoured the laws. Agricultural economist Ashok Gulati has been the most vocal supporter of deregulation of agriculture markets, while PK Joshi has written articles regretting the prolonged agitation.

Bhupinder Mann of the BKU and Anil Ghanwat of Shetkari Sanghatana had called for implementation of the laws after amendments.

Radicals at stir site? govt to file affidavit

The SC asked the Centre to file an affidavit to substantiate its allegation after Attorney General KK Venugopal said “Khalistanis had infiltrated” the farmers’ protest. He said the Centre would file an affidavit along with intelligence inputs. Lauding the farmers for peaceful stir, the SC said apprehension had been expressed about some persons creating trouble.

Notice to unions on R-day tractor march

The SC has issued a notice to the unions on a plea by the Delhi Police seeking to stop a proposed tractor march on Republic Day. The police contended the march “could cause law and order problems and prove embarrassing for the nation”. The plea will be heard on January 18.

Khattar meets Shah, says Haryana govt stable

Haryana CM ML Khattar and his deputy Dushyant Chautala met Home Minister Amit Shah and apprised him of the law and order situation. After the meeting, Khattar said his “government was stable”.