Farmers Movement Archive

If you’re against the new farming laws, join our movement, BKU tells Mann

Ghaziabad: Farmer leaders protesting at UP Gate on Thursday welcomed Bhupinder Singh Mann’s decision to recuse himself from the four-member expert committee constituted by the Supreme Court to look into the three new agriculture laws. Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait said Mann should now specify whether he supports or opposes the laws, and if he is against them, he should join the movement with other farmer outfits. “His resignation is an example of the ideological victory of this movement. The farmer in him has woken up. We invite him to join the movement too,” said Tikait. Farmer leaders have clarified that they will participate in the ninth round of talks with the Centre on Friday. Tikait said it was necessary to break the deadlock. Protesters, however, reiterated that they would accept nothing less than repeal of all three laws. Meanwhile, while addressing farmers at UP Gate, Tikait reiterated that the tractor march will be held on Republic Day. “We don’t want to disturb the parade and we will hold our parade alongside. The rally will be historic and we demand that the government in Delhi provide us with five lakh Indian flags. Not a single stick will be without the tricolour,” Tikait said, adding that they would ply red tractors in the front, white in the centre and green ones at the back for the ‘tricolour look’. The farmer leader also asked the protesters to remain alert to ‘anti-social elements’. “Those making claims regarding Khalistan and Pakistan have no place in this movement. Anyone talking about violence will not be tolerated,” he said. Tikait said it was up to the government to stop the agitation. “Withdraw the law and implement the report of the Swaminathan Committee. Give us our rights and we will leave. It is an ideological movement and cannot be suppressed by guns,” he said.

The Times of India

2021-01-15

Chandigarh