Farmers Movement Archive

Farmers protest: Some don't want a resolution to talks, says Naresh Tikait

GHAZIABAD: Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Naresh Tikait on Sunday expressed apprehension about the role of one or two members of the core committee formed for talks with the government, saying that the protesting farmers should not be seen as taking multiple stands. Tikait hinted at the possibility of a few farmers in the 40-member committee working on a parallel line to the protesters’ consistent stand that the three agriculture laws must be withdrawn. “We do not want multiple stands from the farmers’ side. When 38 people are moving in one direction, two others should not be taking a different path. We will try to identify them in a meeting and talk to them,” Tikait told TOI. The farmer leader said he had come to know from his sources in the outfit that a few members of the core committee might be toeing a different line. “We have our own intelligence wing and it informed us that some people in the core committee did not want any resolution to the talks. We have initiated an inquiry to find out who they are. It’s not that we do not have faith in the 40 members of the core committee. But action should be taken against such people,” he added. Tikait did not divulge details about the proposed meeting. “As it is an internal procedure of the organisation, we will hold it at some confidential location. There will be people from Singhu and Tikri as well. We have to ensure that the farmers’ respect remains intact,” Tikait said. The BKU leader, who had earlier said the farmers would take two steps back if the government did so, asserted on Sunday there was no question of budging an inch. “We are not shying away from the resolution of this protest, but it is the government which is rigid on its stand. The Centre is thinking that with time, we will get up and leave the protest sites. But, we are not going anywhere. I will thank the government for uniting the farmers,” he added. Tikait also pointed out that the Prime Minister had expressed condolences on the deaths in the US Capitol violence, but hadn’t spoken a word on the scores of farmers who have lost their lives during the agitation. “After eight rounds of talks, farmers are no longer interested in negotiations,” he added. Asked about the proposed tractor rally on January 26, Tikait said, “We do not want to create any trouble or cause any damage to public property. We will want the government to give us permission to participate in the parade with just four tractors. It will be a matter of pride to take part in a national event.” Meanwhile, a wrestling tournament was organised at the UP Gate protest site on Sunday with participants from Punjab, Delhi, Haryana and UP. Of 100-odd matches, 40 were between women contestants. Surender Kaliraman, president of the Akhil Bharatiya Kushti Mahasangh and one of the organisers, said, “Altogether, 100 wrestling matches were held at UP Gate. Sunny Joon (23) won the title of Kisan Kesari from Haryana’s Bahadurgarh. Joon is a national level player and also holds the title of Bharat Kesari. Wrestlers, too, are against the three agriculture laws.”

The Times of India

2021-01-11

India