New Delhi: Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Wednesday said that the Centre and farmer unions have reached a consensus on two out of the four issues raised by the farmers during the sixth round of talks over the agriculture laws.
The minister, who is one of the key representatives of the Centre in negotiation dialogue with farmers, further said that the two sides will hold a fresh round of talks to end the ongoing deadlock on January 4.
“Today’s talks were held in a very good environment and it concluded on a positive note. Consensus on two out of four issues was reached between both sides… Considering the chilly weather in Delhi, I have requested the farmer leaders to send home the elderly, women, and children. The next round of talks will be held on January 4,” he said after the meeting concluded.
Speaking about today’s talks, Balkaran Singh Brar, Punjab President, All India Kisan Sabha, told reporters, “Talks were positive today. The government has been saying that we should end agitation and form a committee. But we didn’t listen to them. We won’t take back our movement. We won’t form any committee. We’ll discuss MSP in the next meet.”
This was echoed by says Rakesh Tikait, spokesperson of Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU), who said, “Issues related to stubble burning and electricity were sorted in today’s meeting. 2 of our main issues still need to be resolved. We will discuss topics related to MSP and repealing of 3 farm laws in the next meeting on January 4.”
The Centre had on Monday sent an invitation to 40 protesting farmer unions to come to the discussion table again for talks on all relevant issues to find a “logical solution” with an “open mind” to end the prolonged agitation.