Amit Shah, Punjab Chief Minister To Meet Ahead Of Crucial Talks With Farmers’ Representatives

The agitating members of 31 farmer groups of Punjab have disrupted life for Delhiites by blocking the borders, highways and railways by sitting on the tracks. Though government came forward to negotiate, the talks ended inconclusive. They are to talk today with government.

Much before they appear for the fourth round of talks with the farmer representatives today, Home Minister Amit Shah will meet Punjab CM Amarinder Singh today. The meeting is likely to occur in the early of the day, ahead of the crucial meeting with farmers’ heads.

The last one, held on Tuesday after a series of discussions between Mr Shah and his cabinet colleagues, fell through. The farmers’ representatives had unanimously turned down the Centre’s proposal of a special committee to thrash out the differences and resolve concerns over the farm laws.

A breakthrough was not expected in a single meeting, sources had said, in view of the government firmly standing by the laws it has called “historic reforms” in the farm sector.

But the farmers have hardened their stance, warning that tomorrow is the “last chance” for the government to take a decision on the laws. In place of a committee, they have demanded a special session of parliament to repeal what they have called “black laws” made to favour corporates.

“Tomorrow is the last chance for the government to take a decision to repeal the laws, otherwise this movement will become huge and the government will fall,” Pratibha Shinde of the Lok Sangharsh Morcha, was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

While Delhi has been the hub of the farmers’ protest, with thousands camping at its borders with rations they say will last for a year, farmer leaders have warned that that the movement will soon begin in states.