Won’t back down, will send our written response to Centre tomorrow, say farmers’ unions

Tribune News Service
Sonepat, December 15

Farmers’ unions have said they would send their written response to the central government’s latest proposal on Monday---a development that comes days after the fifth round of talks between the central government and the protesters remained inconclusive.

Farmers unions addressed the press after a massive day-long hunger strike they undertook as part of the protest against three controversial laws that farmers have been protesting since September.

“Our Monday demonstration in 350 districts across country was successful. 150 toll plazas were also made 'free' by farmers,” Union leaders who addressed the press at Singhu Border.

 The main sticking point for the two parties is the central government’s refusal to repeal the three laws. Farmers say they will not climb down from that demand.  

 “Government is saying they won't repeal these laws, we are saying we will make you do it,” a union leader Jagjeet Dallewal said. “We are not running away from negotiation, but government has to pay heed to our demands and come forward with concrete proposals,” another union leader said.

They are determined to go on until their demands are met, the leaders said.

“The fight has reached a stage where we are determined to win it no matter what,” they said.

The unions have also decided to hold ‘shradhanjali’ (dedication) to the 20 protesters who have died since their protests began. This shrandhanjali will be given in every village across the country on December 20, some leaders said.

“Around 20 farmers become 'shaheed' during protest so far. On an average, one farmer has died every day since protest started,” leaders said.

“People across villages and blocks to pay tribute on December 20 to farmers who lost their lives during agitation,” a leader, Inderjeet, told the press. 

--- With PTI