New Delhi: Farmers protesting the three contentious farm laws have decided to throng the Sansad Marg and stage a demonstration outside the Parliament from July 22, Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait said on Saturday. As many as 200 farmers will march to Parliament Street, even as the Monsoon Session will keep the parliamentarians engaged in the House, in order to further pressure the government to scrap the legislations pertaining to agricultural policies enacted last year.
"If the Centre wants discussion on farm laws, we're ready for talks. But, if talks do not happen or reap fruitful results, then from July 22, 200 of our people will hold protests near Parliament," Tikait told news agencies on Saturday.
Also read: Farmers ready for talks but without conditions, says BKU leader Rakesh Tikait
Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar had on Thursday clarified that the government will not repeal the three farm laws but it was ready for talks with the protesting farmers to discuss other options. In response, Tikait had said the farmers were willing to discuss the matter with the government but the discussions should be held without conditions.
Today, Tikait also spoke about the Republic Day incident. He said the alleged cases of violence reported on January 26 needed an "impartial investigation", for which they may have to approach the United Nations (UN). He clarified that leaders of the movement had not talked about going to the UN over the farm laws but had only brought up the issue in relation to the January 26 incident. "We never said we'll take up the issue (of new farm bills) with the United Nations. We had only responded to a question over January 26 incident. Is there any agency here that can conduct an impartial investigation? If not should we take this matter to the UN?" he had said.
Also read: Centre not run by political party but a company: Tikait
On Republic Day, the protesting farmers broke barricades to enter the national capital and picked up a clash with the police besides entering the Red Fort and unfurling their flags from its ramparts.
Since November 26 last year, farmers have been protesting, mainly at the entry points to the national capital, against the three farm laws -- Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020; the Farmers Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act 2020; and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.
