Farmers Movement Archive

BKU president's proposal: 'Don't implement farm laws till the end of govt's tenure, take back FIRs'

MUZAFFARNAGAR: A day after announcing that the farmers' protest “will go on”, Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) president Naresh Tikait on Saturday proposed that the government put on hold the controversial agri laws till the end of its tenure and take back the FIRs registered against the protesters. Speaking to TOI, Tikait said, “Principally, we want the three controversial farm laws to go. However, the government is adamant. We are ready for a compromise where neither wins or loses. As they have already suggested not to implement the laws for 18 months, they can extend it till 2024. They should also take back the FIRs registered against the protesters.” The farm leader also justified his appeal during Friday’s mahapanchayat to the farmers not to leave for Ghazipur protest site immediately. “It could have led to law and order problems at the border. We do not want any confrontation, but then the government should also realise its mistake." When asked about his brother and BKU national spokesperson Rakesh Tikait's keenness not to end the farm protest at the Delhi-UP border, he said, "I will speak to him and the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha leaders. It is part of a process. We will all discuss it. If the government agrees, then we can make farmers agree too." On his visit to the protest site, he said, "I will visit the Ghazipur border after attending a panchayat in Baghpat on Sunday. We are also trying to make the farmers understand that they should avoid any kind of confrontation. Certain anti-social elements are trying hard to create problems." Tikait also cautioned the government by comparing the contentious farm laws with fire. "It is like fire, better douse it. If this government withdraws the laws, nothing will happen. The government has committed a mistake and it must accept it." On Friday, tens of thousands of farmers had assembled in Muzaffarnagar hours after Rakesh Tikait's impassioned appeal at the Ghazipur border.

The Times of India

2021-01-31

Meerut