After spending more than a month in protests and agitation, the first signs of a reconcilliation were seen between farmers and the central government on Wednesday during their fifth meeting in regard with the protests against the recently passed farm laws. The farmers were seen sharing lunch with representatives of the government.
Two demands of the farm unions — excluding farmers from the purview of the NCR air quality ordinance and changes in the provisions of the Draft Electricity Bill ensuring security on power subsidy – were met with consensus among both parties. The meeting had four-point agenda and government also agreed to discuss the other two items proposed by the farmers.
These are repealing of farm laws and legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price. Home minister Rajnath Singh had disapproved the use of words “Naxals”and “Khalistanis” for the protesting farmers, and said, “Allegations should not be made by anyone against the Sikh community and farmers.”
Sanyukt Kisan Morcha leader Darshan Pal told Indian Express, “The government gave several alternatives including forming a committee. But finally, they (the government side) asked us to suggest something, which should not have the word repeal, and on which both sides may come to an agreement. We told them that we will discuss in this regard and talk to our lawyer.”