Indian farmers’ protest in which they are demanding higher prices for their crops has been paused currently as talks with the government seem positive. Representative of the farmers said they had paused their protest march to New Delhi on Friday until their unions hold another round of talks with government ministers on Sunday.
Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda, who met farmers’ representatives late on Thursday along with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and deputy interior minister Nityanand Rai, told the media that the talks were “positive” and that “We believe we will all find a solution together peacefully.”
Farmers Asked To Pause Their March By Movement Leader Dallewal
Movement leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal also said the farmers would pause their march for now. “The meetings have started. If we keep moving forward (towards Delhi) now then how will the meetings happen?” remarked Dallewal. He added that the protest “will continue peacefully”.
Tens of thousands of farmers are on the “Delhi Chalo”, or “Let’s go to Delhi” protest march earlier this week to set a minimum price for their produce by the government. However, they were stopped by security forces about 200 kms (125 miles) away from the capital which led to scuffles and clashes between the two groups.
As per union leaders, a 63-year-old farmer, an elderly male among those camped at the site, died of a heart attack early on Friday. A state police officer said they had received information about a farmer’s death and are looking into it.
The farmers protests have erupted once again and this time just a few months before India is due to hold national elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a third term.
Farmers Remain Camped On Border With Security Stepped Up Heavily
The farmers remained camped on the border between Punjab and Haryana states on today. Security has been stepped up massively with forces using concrete and metal barricades, as well as drones carrying tear gas canisters, to stop protesting farmers from advancing.
The protest comes roughly after two years when the Modi government, following a similar protest movement that lasted for a whole year repealed some farm laws and assured to find ways to ensure support prices for all produce. Notably, there is no litigation at the moment in India to assure farmers a minimum support price for their produce.
Bengali