Rahul Gandhi condoles death of religious leader near Singhu border
Rahul Gandhi condoled the death of religious leader near the Singhu border. He also urged the govt to immediately withdraw the new farm laws.
Farmers' protest LIVE: Farmer kills self, cites struggle of farmers in suicide note
Farmers' Protest
22:48 December 16
21:47 December 16
Farm laws are pro-farmers, says MoS Agriculture Kailash Choudhary
Kailash Choudhary, MoS Agriculture, said that farmers across the country are supporting the laws. These bills are pro-farmers, which give them the freedom to sell their produce to anyone at any price at their own will.
If protesting farmers want some amendments, the government is ready for it, he said.
"Left and Opposition parties have intruded the farmers' movement and are trying to use farmers for their political ambitions. I'm seeing that children are being used to spread a false narrative. I want to clarify that agreement is for crop not for land," he added.
21:46 December 16
Stop holding parallel talks with other farmer bodies: Protesting farmer unions to govt
An umbrella body of 40 farmer unions protesting against the new Agri laws at several Delhi border points on Wednesday asked the Centre to stop holding "parallel talks" with other farmer bodies over the contentious legislation.
With the government saying that it is waiting for the reply of peasant leaders, the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha said that there was no question of responding as the farmer unions had made their stand clear in the last round of meeting with Union ministers that they want the laws to be repealed.
20:09 December 16
Anti-Indian force behind farmers' stir: Pradhan
Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan alleged that an anti-Indian and feudalistic force was behind the ongoing farmers' agitation against the new agricultural laws.
He said that this force was also against the concepts of 'Bharatiyata' (Indianness) and India's self-reliance.
"Who stood with China against its invasion (on India)? Who imposed the Emergency in India? Who ran nepotism in the country between 2004 and 2014? Those involved in these works are now engaged in instigating the farmers' agitation," he alleged.
19:14 December 16
Forming new committee is no solution: Farmer leaders on SC suggestion
Protesting farmer unions said constituting a new panel to break the stalemate on the three new Agri laws, as indicated by the Supreme Court, is not a solution as they want a complete withdrawal of the legislation.
They also said the government should have formed a committee of farmers and others before the laws were enacted by Parliament.
Their assertions came after the Supreme Court indicated earlier in the day that it may form a panel having representatives of the government and farmer unions to resolve the deadlock.
19:11 December 16
Farmers' protest planned conspiracy by opposition: Guj BJP Chief
BJP's Gujarat unit president CR Paatil alleged that the ongoing agitation by farmers on the Delhi borders was a planned conspiracy by the opposition parties to create anarchy in the country and to destabilise it.
Paatil, a BJP MP from Navsari Lok Sabha constituency, said Congress was in favour of these farm sector reforms when it was in power before 2014.
19:03 December 16
Members of Sikh Sangat speaking on farmer's suicide
Farmer kills self, cites struggle of farmers in suicide note
A farmer cum religious leader, Baba Ram Singh, killed himself self citing struggle of agitating farmers against farm laws.
Singh (65) was a resident of Karnal in Haryana.
He left a suicide note which states that he couldn't see the ordeal of farmers who are sitting on the outskirts of Delhi protesting against the farm laws.
17:44 December 16
SC's decision to set up committee is a welcome move: MoS Commerce
MoS Commerce Som Parkash welcomed the Supreme Court's decision on setting up a committee to resolve farmers' issue quickly.
"Farmers and govt will express their views in the committee, which is good. Whatever final decision SC takes tomorrow on the issue, we will act accordingly," he added.
17:33 December 16
Central Agri laws a step towards doubling farmers' income: CM Rawat
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat said the new central agriculture laws are in the interest of farmers and a major step towards doubling their income.
Rawat, who was addressing a farmers' conference at the Rishikul ground in Haridwar virtually, claimed that the new laws are based on the Swaminathan commission's report.
"It is a significant step towards doubling the income of farmers, which is a major goal set by the Centre. Farmers have been given access to the open market and are now free to sell their produce wherever they like. A myth is being spread that the new farm laws will put an end to the MSP regime," Rawat added.
17:28 December 16
Rakesh Tikait, national spokesperson of BKU, speaking to ETV Bharat
Farmers' problems can be solved through talks only: Rakesh Tikait
Rakesh Tikait, the national spokesperson of the Bharatiya Kisan Union, said that only farmers' problems can be solved through talks only.
"Leaders of all the farmer organizations involved in the movement will discuss this. Only after negotiation, it will be decided how many farmer leaders will be included in the committee. The future strategy will also be decided only after talks with farmer leaders," he added.
17:05 December 16
Puri appeals farmers to resume talks with Centre
Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri appealed to protesting farmers to resume talks with the central government to discuss their genuine demands, saying this is not the time to remain adamant.
Addressing a virtual 'Kisan Sammelan', he asserted that the Narendra Modi-led government was taking several steps in the interest of the farming community.
"We are ready to hold talks with them to discuss their genuine demands. We are ready to find a solution to this problem, but it is necessary that the farmer brothers join the talks again and put forth their points face to face," he said.
17:02 December 16
Tikri, Dhansa borders closed
Tikri, Dhansa Borders are closed for any traffic movement. Jhatikara Borders is open only for two-wheelers and pedestrian movement, Delhi Traffic Police said.
16:25 December 16
Union agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar addressing a gathering
Farm laws to bring a revolutionary change in lives of farmers: Tomar
Union agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar has once again described the three farm laws of the central government as farmer-friendly and said that the process of reforms in the agriculture sector has started and it will bring revolutionary changes in the lives of farmers.
Tomar and BJP's Rajya Sabha member Jyotiraditya Scindia arrived today to participate in the farmers' conference organised by the BJP in Gwalior.
On this occasion, Tomar said, "I want to assure the farmers that the process of agrarian reform which has started under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to bring revolutionary changes in the lives of farmers."
He said, "When attempts are being made to mislead and agitate the farmers of Punjab in one corner of the nation, you gathered in Rewa, Sagar, Gwalior, Ujjain and other places to support farm laws by Narendra Modi government. I thank all of you.
16:12 December 16
MP Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan speaking at Kisan Sammelan
MP CM slams Rahul Gandhi at Kisan Sammelan in Rewa
Speaking at Kisan Sammelan in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for protesting farm laws.
"On what ground is Rahul Gandhi protesting farm laws? Does he understand anything about farmers? Does he know what farming is? Can he even tell the correct orientation to sow a corn plant?"
16:01 December 16
Centre being 'stubborn' in face of farmers' agitation: AAP leader Gopal Rai
The Centre should give up its "ego" and "stubbornness" and accept the demands of farmers who are protesting against the new farm laws at Delhi's borders despite the biting cold, the city's Development minister Gopal Rai said.
Rai said the Arvind Kejriwal-led government and his party stand firmly with the farmers and have been making certain arrangements for them during their protest.
After a visit to the Singhu border, blocked by thousands of farmers camping there for nearly three weeks now, Rai said the Kejriwal government has arranged a Langar Sewa (community kitchen), water and toilet facilities for them.
16:00 December 16
Politics over farmers not in country's interest: Gadkari
Attempts are being made to "misguide and confuse" farmers and gain advantage out of their protests, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said.
He also appealed to farmer unions to come forward for a meaningful dialogue with the government to end the stalemate.
The senior leader and former BJP President also said that remarks made by international entities on this issue were unjustifiable and uncalled for as India never interfered in internal matters of other countries.
15:34 December 16
Farmers' leaders to take call on SC order
Farmer union leaders to meet at 4 pm to take a call on SC order. The Supreme Court issued a notice to the Centre and others on a batch of petitions seeking removal of farmers camping at several roads and directed the petitioners to make protesting farmer unions parties to the pleas and posted the matter for hearing on Thursday.
15:33 December 16
Those protesting against Agri laws are 'middlemen': MP minister
Madhya Pradesh Agriculture Minister Kamal Patel claimed those protesting against the Centre's three new farm laws are "middlemen" and not real farmers.
Talking to reporters, Patel asserted that the new farm rules will give cultivators the real price for their produce and an opportunity to trade, export, and set up food processing units and warehouses.
Till now, middlemen used to buy crops of farmers at very low prices and sell them to end-users at ten times higher rates by grading the purchase as per the quality of the crop, he said.
15:32 December 16
'Your negotiations have not worked apparently till now': SC tells Centre
In a hearing conducted via video conferencing, the bench directed the petitioners to make protesting farmer unions parties to the pleas and posted the matter for hearing on Thursday.
"Your negotiations with protesting farmers have not worked apparently till now," the bench told the Centre. Meanwhile, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the bench that the government will not do anything against the interest of farmers.
15:13 December 16
Another farmer succumbs of heart attack on Singhu border
Another farmer from Punjab's Patiala, Pala Singh, died of a heart attack during the ongoing farmers' protest on Singhu border.
The police said that they have sent the body for an autopsy after which it will be handed over to the deceased's family.
13:49 December 16
Hundreds of farmers block Delhi-Noida Chilla border
Hundreds of farmers block Delhi-Noida Chilla border
Hundreds of farmers on Wednesday gathered and blocked Delhi-Noida Chilla border. They sat on the road and started having langar. The commotion lasted almost an hour after which the police was deployed.
The Bharatiya Kisan Union (Bhanu) officials and farmers today again tried to enter Delhi via Chilla border with an aim to reach Janta Mantar along with a large number of tractors and other vehicles.
In view of this police forces, Delhi and Noida put up barriers and stopped all the farmers.
Today marks the 15th day of farmers protests at Delhi border.
The protesting farmers have been demanding the rollback of three farm rules introduced by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government.
10:22 December 16
Nihang Chieftains reach Singhu border in solidarity with farmers
Nihang Chieftains reach Singhu border in solidarity with farmers
Around 21 days have passed since the farmers sat on protest the Singhu border demanding the rollback of the farm bills 2020. To express solidarity with the farmers, the army of Nihang chieftains with their horses and weapons has also reached the Singhu border.
With them, they have bought a horse worth crores of rupees that has become the center of attraction.
Named 'Kabootar', the Nihangs boast of their horse of being supreme quality and speed.
Known for their courage and fighting skills, the army of Nihang warlords supporting the farmers' movement is a big thing in itself. They are also ready to clash with the government if the need arises.
Guru Govind Singh ji revered the army of Nihangs and used to keep a horse with him. In keeping up with the tradition, Nihangs keep an army of horses with them so that these in any emergency or war situation they can be used.
08:25 December 16
Farmers' Protest LIVE Updates
New Delhi: Hardening their stance on the three new Agricultural laws, farmer leaders on Tuesday said they will "make" government repeal these legislations, and asserted that their fight has reached a stage where they are "determined" to win it no matter what.
They said that they will completely block the Chilla Border between Delhi and Noida on Wednesday to press for their demands, adding that farmer unions are not running away from a negotiation, but the government has to pay heed to their demands and come forward with concrete proposals.
Addressing a press conference at the Singhu Border, farmer leader Jagjeet Singh Dallewal said, "The government is saying 'we won't repeal these laws', we are saying we will make you do it."
"The fight has reached a stage where we are determined to win no matter what," he said.
Another leader Yudhvir Singh said that the more days protesting farmers stay put at Delhi border points, their protest will intensify further, and added that the government is wrong if it thinks otherwise.
Farmers' hardening their stance comes on a day Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that farmers who have gathered near Delhi are being misled as part of a conspiracy.
Speaking after laying foundation stones for some development projects in his home state Gujarat, Modi also said that his government is addressing farmers' concerns over the new agri laws.
Also read: Farmers' stir LIVE: 70-year-old farmer dies at Singhu border due to heart attack
During the press conference at the Singhu Border on Tuesday, farmer union leaders gave a nationwide call to observe 'Homage Day' (Shraddhanjali Diwas) on December 20 to pay tributes to those farmers who have lost their lives during the ongoing protests.
Farmer leader Rishipal claimed that one farmer has died every day on an average since the protest started in the last week of November.
"A Homage Day (Shraddhanjali Diwas) for all the farmers who lost their lives and became martyrs in the ongoing protest will be organised across the country in villages and tehsil headquarters on December 20 from 11 am to 1 pm," he said.
"First government should repeal all three laws, only then farmers will talk," Rishipal told reporters.
He said that demonstration held on Monday in 350 districts across the country was successful while 150 toll plazas were also made 'free' by farmers as part of their nationwide call against the new agri laws.
Dallewal said that arrangements are also being made for women protestors too, adding that in the next three to four days they will be coming in huge numbers and joining the protest against the new farm laws.
He alleged that the central government is doing everything to create differences within farmers unions, but they have made their mind and stand united in their fight.
"Government is saying there is a coronavirus and its officials are getting infected, but why is that any farmer sitting at border point has not been infected with the coronavirus. God is with us," Dallewal also said.
Thousands of farmers have been camping at several Delhi border points for the last 20 days now.
They are protesting the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020; the Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020; and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.
Enacted in September, the three farm laws have been projected by the government as major reforms in the agriculture sector that will remove the middlemen and allow farmers to sell anywhere in the country.
However, the protesting farmers have expressed apprehension that the new laws would pave the way for eliminating the safety cushion of Minimum Support Price and do away with the mandis, leaving them at the mercy of big corporates.
(PTI)
22:48 December 16
Rahul Gandhi condoles death of religious leader near Singhu border
Rahul Gandhi condoled the death of religious leader near the Singhu border. He also urged the govt to immediately withdraw the new farm laws.
21:47 December 16
Farm laws are pro-farmers, says MoS Agriculture Kailash Choudhary
Kailash Choudhary, MoS Agriculture, said that farmers across the country are supporting the laws. These bills are pro-farmers, which give them the freedom to sell their produce to anyone at any price at their own will.
If protesting farmers want some amendments, the government is ready for it, he said.
"Left and Opposition parties have intruded the farmers' movement and are trying to use farmers for their political ambitions. I'm seeing that children are being used to spread a false narrative. I want to clarify that agreement is for crop not for land," he added.
21:46 December 16
Stop holding parallel talks with other farmer bodies: Protesting farmer unions to govt
An umbrella body of 40 farmer unions protesting against the new Agri laws at several Delhi border points on Wednesday asked the Centre to stop holding "parallel talks" with other farmer bodies over the contentious legislation.
With the government saying that it is waiting for the reply of peasant leaders, the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha said that there was no question of responding as the farmer unions had made their stand clear in the last round of meeting with Union ministers that they want the laws to be repealed.
20:09 December 16
Anti-Indian force behind farmers' stir: Pradhan
Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan alleged that an anti-Indian and feudalistic force was behind the ongoing farmers' agitation against the new agricultural laws.
He said that this force was also against the concepts of 'Bharatiyata' (Indianness) and India's self-reliance.
"Who stood with China against its invasion (on India)? Who imposed the Emergency in India? Who ran nepotism in the country between 2004 and 2014? Those involved in these works are now engaged in instigating the farmers' agitation," he alleged.
19:14 December 16
Forming new committee is no solution: Farmer leaders on SC suggestion
Protesting farmer unions said constituting a new panel to break the stalemate on the three new Agri laws, as indicated by the Supreme Court, is not a solution as they want a complete withdrawal of the legislation.
They also said the government should have formed a committee of farmers and others before the laws were enacted by Parliament.
Their assertions came after the Supreme Court indicated earlier in the day that it may form a panel having representatives of the government and farmer unions to resolve the deadlock.
19:11 December 16
Farmers' protest planned conspiracy by opposition: Guj BJP Chief
BJP's Gujarat unit president CR Paatil alleged that the ongoing agitation by farmers on the Delhi borders was a planned conspiracy by the opposition parties to create anarchy in the country and to destabilise it.
Paatil, a BJP MP from Navsari Lok Sabha constituency, said Congress was in favour of these farm sector reforms when it was in power before 2014.
19:03 December 16
Members of Sikh Sangat speaking on farmer's suicide
Farmer kills self, cites struggle of farmers in suicide note
A farmer cum religious leader, Baba Ram Singh, killed himself self citing struggle of agitating farmers against farm laws.
Singh (65) was a resident of Karnal in Haryana.
He left a suicide note which states that he couldn't see the ordeal of farmers who are sitting on the outskirts of Delhi protesting against the farm laws.
17:44 December 16
SC's decision to set up committee is a welcome move: MoS Commerce
MoS Commerce Som Parkash welcomed the Supreme Court's decision on setting up a committee to resolve farmers' issue quickly.
"Farmers and govt will express their views in the committee, which is good. Whatever final decision SC takes tomorrow on the issue, we will act accordingly," he added.
17:33 December 16
Central Agri laws a step towards doubling farmers' income: CM Rawat
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat said the new central agriculture laws are in the interest of farmers and a major step towards doubling their income.
Rawat, who was addressing a farmers' conference at the Rishikul ground in Haridwar virtually, claimed that the new laws are based on the Swaminathan commission's report.
"It is a significant step towards doubling the income of farmers, which is a major goal set by the Centre. Farmers have been given access to the open market and are now free to sell their produce wherever they like. A myth is being spread that the new farm laws will put an end to the MSP regime," Rawat added.
17:28 December 16
Rakesh Tikait, national spokesperson of BKU, speaking to ETV Bharat
Farmers' problems can be solved through talks only: Rakesh Tikait
Rakesh Tikait, the national spokesperson of the Bharatiya Kisan Union, said that only farmers' problems can be solved through talks only.
"Leaders of all the farmer organizations involved in the movement will discuss this. Only after negotiation, it will be decided how many farmer leaders will be included in the committee. The future strategy will also be decided only after talks with farmer leaders," he added.
17:05 December 16
Puri appeals farmers to resume talks with Centre
Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri appealed to protesting farmers to resume talks with the central government to discuss their genuine demands, saying this is not the time to remain adamant.
Addressing a virtual 'Kisan Sammelan', he asserted that the Narendra Modi-led government was taking several steps in the interest of the farming community.
"We are ready to hold talks with them to discuss their genuine demands. We are ready to find a solution to this problem, but it is necessary that the farmer brothers join the talks again and put forth their points face to face," he said.
17:02 December 16
Tikri, Dhansa borders closed
Tikri, Dhansa Borders are closed for any traffic movement. Jhatikara Borders is open only for two-wheelers and pedestrian movement, Delhi Traffic Police said.
16:25 December 16
Union agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar addressing a gathering
Farm laws to bring a revolutionary change in lives of farmers: Tomar
Union agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar has once again described the three farm laws of the central government as farmer-friendly and said that the process of reforms in the agriculture sector has started and it will bring revolutionary changes in the lives of farmers.
Tomar and BJP's Rajya Sabha member Jyotiraditya Scindia arrived today to participate in the farmers' conference organised by the BJP in Gwalior.
On this occasion, Tomar said, "I want to assure the farmers that the process of agrarian reform which has started under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to bring revolutionary changes in the lives of farmers."
He said, "When attempts are being made to mislead and agitate the farmers of Punjab in one corner of the nation, you gathered in Rewa, Sagar, Gwalior, Ujjain and other places to support farm laws by Narendra Modi government. I thank all of you.
16:12 December 16
MP Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan speaking at Kisan Sammelan
MP CM slams Rahul Gandhi at Kisan Sammelan in Rewa
Speaking at Kisan Sammelan in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for protesting farm laws.
"On what ground is Rahul Gandhi protesting farm laws? Does he understand anything about farmers? Does he know what farming is? Can he even tell the correct orientation to sow a corn plant?"
16:01 December 16
Centre being 'stubborn' in face of farmers' agitation: AAP leader Gopal Rai
The Centre should give up its "ego" and "stubbornness" and accept the demands of farmers who are protesting against the new farm laws at Delhi's borders despite the biting cold, the city's Development minister Gopal Rai said.
Rai said the Arvind Kejriwal-led government and his party stand firmly with the farmers and have been making certain arrangements for them during their protest.
After a visit to the Singhu border, blocked by thousands of farmers camping there for nearly three weeks now, Rai said the Kejriwal government has arranged a Langar Sewa (community kitchen), water and toilet facilities for them.
16:00 December 16
Politics over farmers not in country's interest: Gadkari
Attempts are being made to "misguide and confuse" farmers and gain advantage out of their protests, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said.
He also appealed to farmer unions to come forward for a meaningful dialogue with the government to end the stalemate.
The senior leader and former BJP President also said that remarks made by international entities on this issue were unjustifiable and uncalled for as India never interfered in internal matters of other countries.
15:34 December 16
Farmers' leaders to take call on SC order
Farmer union leaders to meet at 4 pm to take a call on SC order. The Supreme Court issued a notice to the Centre and others on a batch of petitions seeking removal of farmers camping at several roads and directed the petitioners to make protesting farmer unions parties to the pleas and posted the matter for hearing on Thursday.
15:33 December 16
Those protesting against Agri laws are 'middlemen': MP minister
Madhya Pradesh Agriculture Minister Kamal Patel claimed those protesting against the Centre's three new farm laws are "middlemen" and not real farmers.
Talking to reporters, Patel asserted that the new farm rules will give cultivators the real price for their produce and an opportunity to trade, export, and set up food processing units and warehouses.
Till now, middlemen used to buy crops of farmers at very low prices and sell them to end-users at ten times higher rates by grading the purchase as per the quality of the crop, he said.
15:32 December 16
'Your negotiations have not worked apparently till now': SC tells Centre
In a hearing conducted via video conferencing, the bench directed the petitioners to make protesting farmer unions parties to the pleas and posted the matter for hearing on Thursday.
"Your negotiations with protesting farmers have not worked apparently till now," the bench told the Centre. Meanwhile, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the bench that the government will not do anything against the interest of farmers.
15:13 December 16
Another farmer succumbs of heart attack on Singhu border
Another farmer from Punjab's Patiala, Pala Singh, died of a heart attack during the ongoing farmers' protest on Singhu border.
The police said that they have sent the body for an autopsy after which it will be handed over to the deceased's family.
13:49 December 16
Hundreds of farmers block Delhi-Noida Chilla border
Hundreds of farmers block Delhi-Noida Chilla border
Hundreds of farmers on Wednesday gathered and blocked Delhi-Noida Chilla border. They sat on the road and started having langar. The commotion lasted almost an hour after which the police was deployed.
The Bharatiya Kisan Union (Bhanu) officials and farmers today again tried to enter Delhi via Chilla border with an aim to reach Janta Mantar along with a large number of tractors and other vehicles.
In view of this police forces, Delhi and Noida put up barriers and stopped all the farmers.
Today marks the 15th day of farmers protests at Delhi border.
The protesting farmers have been demanding the rollback of three farm rules introduced by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government.
10:22 December 16
Nihang Chieftains reach Singhu border in solidarity with farmers
Nihang Chieftains reach Singhu border in solidarity with farmers
Around 21 days have passed since the farmers sat on protest the Singhu border demanding the rollback of the farm bills 2020. To express solidarity with the farmers, the army of Nihang chieftains with their horses and weapons has also reached the Singhu border.
With them, they have bought a horse worth crores of rupees that has become the center of attraction.
Named 'Kabootar', the Nihangs boast of their horse of being supreme quality and speed.
Known for their courage and fighting skills, the army of Nihang warlords supporting the farmers' movement is a big thing in itself. They are also ready to clash with the government if the need arises.
Guru Govind Singh ji revered the army of Nihangs and used to keep a horse with him. In keeping up with the tradition, Nihangs keep an army of horses with them so that these in any emergency or war situation they can be used.
08:25 December 16
Farmers' Protest LIVE Updates
New Delhi: Hardening their stance on the three new Agricultural laws, farmer leaders on Tuesday said they will "make" government repeal these legislations, and asserted that their fight has reached a stage where they are "determined" to win it no matter what.
They said that they will completely block the Chilla Border between Delhi and Noida on Wednesday to press for their demands, adding that farmer unions are not running away from a negotiation, but the government has to pay heed to their demands and come forward with concrete proposals.
Addressing a press conference at the Singhu Border, farmer leader Jagjeet Singh Dallewal said, "The government is saying 'we won't repeal these laws', we are saying we will make you do it."
"The fight has reached a stage where we are determined to win no matter what," he said.
Another leader Yudhvir Singh said that the more days protesting farmers stay put at Delhi border points, their protest will intensify further, and added that the government is wrong if it thinks otherwise.
Farmers' hardening their stance comes on a day Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that farmers who have gathered near Delhi are being misled as part of a conspiracy.
Speaking after laying foundation stones for some development projects in his home state Gujarat, Modi also said that his government is addressing farmers' concerns over the new agri laws.
Also read: Farmers' stir LIVE: 70-year-old farmer dies at Singhu border due to heart attack
During the press conference at the Singhu Border on Tuesday, farmer union leaders gave a nationwide call to observe 'Homage Day' (Shraddhanjali Diwas) on December 20 to pay tributes to those farmers who have lost their lives during the ongoing protests.
Farmer leader Rishipal claimed that one farmer has died every day on an average since the protest started in the last week of November.
"A Homage Day (Shraddhanjali Diwas) for all the farmers who lost their lives and became martyrs in the ongoing protest will be organised across the country in villages and tehsil headquarters on December 20 from 11 am to 1 pm," he said.
"First government should repeal all three laws, only then farmers will talk," Rishipal told reporters.
He said that demonstration held on Monday in 350 districts across the country was successful while 150 toll plazas were also made 'free' by farmers as part of their nationwide call against the new agri laws.
Dallewal said that arrangements are also being made for women protestors too, adding that in the next three to four days they will be coming in huge numbers and joining the protest against the new farm laws.
He alleged that the central government is doing everything to create differences within farmers unions, but they have made their mind and stand united in their fight.
"Government is saying there is a coronavirus and its officials are getting infected, but why is that any farmer sitting at border point has not been infected with the coronavirus. God is with us," Dallewal also said.
Thousands of farmers have been camping at several Delhi border points for the last 20 days now.
They are protesting the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020; the Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020; and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.
Enacted in September, the three farm laws have been projected by the government as major reforms in the agriculture sector that will remove the middlemen and allow farmers to sell anywhere in the country.
However, the protesting farmers have expressed apprehension that the new laws would pave the way for eliminating the safety cushion of Minimum Support Price and do away with the mandis, leaving them at the mercy of big corporates.
(PTI)
Last Updated : Dec 16, 2020, 11:00 PM IST
