India: Samyukta Kisan Morcha, the farmers’ union spearheading the ongoing agitation, has issued a statement in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks. In a press statement, the union comprising over 40 farmers’ outfits also alleged that the police is encouraging attacks against peaceful protesters.
“Farmers have come all the way to the doorsteps of Delhi to converse with their elected government and therefore, there is no question of the farmer organisations closing the door on talks with the government,” the Samyukta Kisan Morcha said.
Earlier on Saturday, PM Modi said at an all-party meeting that the Centre stands by its offer of putting the three new farm laws on hold for 12-18 months.
The farmers’ union reiterated its demand for a full repeal of the three farm laws and a legal entitlement guaranteeing MSP for all farmers.
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha went on to add that farmers protesting in different parts of the country celebrated ‘Sadbhavana Diwas’ on Saturday to mark the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. While observing a one-day fast, protesting farmers also “took a pledge to keep fighting this movement peacefully”.
According to the farmers’ union, ‘Sadbhavana Diwas’ was observed in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Haryana, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. Demonstrations were held to that effect in Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Ahmednagar, Nandurbar, Satara, Aurangabad, Nashik among other places in Maharashtra.
