Farmers Movement Archive

Farmers reject court’s proposal

Farmers groups have rejected the Supreme Court’s suggestion to appoint a committee to resolve the ongoing crisis over three farm reform laws. They say the Centre’s attitude in court on Monday makes it clear that the government will not agree to discuss farmers’ demand for repeal of the three laws in such a committee. “While all organisations welcome the suggestions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court to stay the implementation of the farm laws, they are collectively and individually not willing to participate in any proceedings before a committee that may be appointed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court,” said the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), in a statement issued late on Monday night. The statement added that the decision comes after “Looking to the attitude and approach of the Government which made it clear before the court today repeatedly that they will not agree to the discussion for repeal before the committee.” Discussions with the lawyers were held at the Singhu border, led by union leaders Balbir Singh Rajewal, Darshan Pal, Prem Singh Bhangu, Rajinder Singh Deep Singh Wala and Jagmohan Singh. The statement expressed “respect” and “gratitude” for the Court’s “understanding of the problem and comforting words” but regretted that the unions were unable to accede to its suggestions, as millions of farmers across the country were demanding a full repeal of the laws. They also expressed disappointment that the Court would pronounce its order on Tuesday without further consultations. “The Hon’ble Supreme Court was requested to fix the hearing again tomorrow to enable them to consult the organisations to the suggestion of the Hon’ble court,” said the statement. “We have been told that no such hearing has been fixed for tomorrow and that only the matters are listed for pronouncements for order by the Hon'ble Court. These events have deeply disappointed us and also farmers at large.” “A committee is just a delaying tactic which is what the government wants,” said Krantikari Kisan Union president Darshan Pal. “Why divert and dilute the growing farmers movement with a committee? The protest is against the government, so the government should face the wrath of the people, and repeal the laws,” he said. Unions were also apprehensive about being pushed into binding mediation without clarity on the committee's remit. “Sometimes, they say it is a technical committee, sometimes they say it will have experts, sometimes they say it will be a committee of judges,” said a leader, who did not wish to be named.

The Hindu

2021-01-12

NEW DELHI/ CHANDIGARH