Farmers Movement Archive

Farmer groups not on same page on panel, future course

BATHINDA: It is learnt that farm organisations in Punjab are not on the same page over formation of a smaller committee to negotiate with the Central government. It is learnt that while some farm organisations are in favour of forming a small committee, others are vehemently opposing it. Sanyukta Kisan Morcha, in a statement issued on Tuesday evening, denied any talks for formation of such a committee. The Centre has often asked farm organisations to form a small committee for negotiations. It is also learnt that farm organisations are divided on three points of view. One group wants to fight till the agri laws are repealed. The other is fine with the farm laws being kept in abeyance and the third group wants the formation of a smaller committee to conduct negotiations with the government. A big section is against adoption of a hard stance to take the protest forward while others want strong steps to move further. It is also learnt that farm organisations are holding talks to decide on future plans. Some want to plan a march towards Parliament on the martyrdom day of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh on March 23. Others want some action at Hussaniwala that day. A few senior members of farm organisations conceded to such differences of opinion on condition of anonymity. They told TOI that there is division on the issues pertaining to the future of farm protest, with some groups against holding the protests for long. Meanwhile, in view of the no confidence motion against the Manohar Lal Khattar-led BJP government in Haryana on Wednesday, Sanyukta Kisan Morcha decided to postpone its full member meeting on March 11, said farm leader Surjit Singh Phool.

The Times of India

2021-03-10

Chandigarh