Farmers set to intensify protest against Farm Bill

New Delhi : Rejecting government's new proposal on the farm bill, the farmers have announced to intensify their protest from December 14 onwards if their demands are not met. They said they will block Jaipur-Delhi and the Delhi-Agra expressways by Saturday.

After receiving the draft proposal from the government, the farmers leaders held a press conference and claimed that there was nothing new in the draft and it has been rejected by the ‘Sanyukta Kisan Committee’ in its meeting on Wednesday.

They termed the proposal as an 'insult' to the farmers. They, however, said if the government sends a fresh proposal for talks, they may consider it.

In the draft proposal sent to the farmers union leaders, the government agreed to provide all necessary clarifications on the amendments made in the farm bill. The government, however, did not mention anything about the prime demand of the protest which is repeal the laws.

The government has also proposed to make necessary amendments on at least seven counts, including one to allay fears about the weakening of the mandi system.

Meanwhile, a delegation of Opposition leaders went to meet the President of India, urging him to repeal the three farm laws against which thousands of farmers have been protesting on various borders of the national capital.

The five-member delegation comprised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, CPI general secretary D Raja and DMK leader TKS Elangovan.

The opposition leaders submitted a memorandum to the President that said, “We urge upon you, as the custodian of the Indian Constitution, to persuade your government not to be obdurate and accept the demands raised by India’s annadatas.”

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