New Delhi: Sticking to their stand, the agitating farmers on Wednesday turned down amendments in the contentious farm laws suggested by the government and threatened to intensify the stir.
The Centre had sent its proposals and possible changes it was willing to effect if the farmers agree to end their protest, which has been going on for 13 days at various points of the Delhi border.
Unanimously rejecting the proposed amendments, farmer leaders reiterated that their demands are non-negotiable and that the agitation will continue till the Centre withdraws the laws.
Krantikari Kisan Union president Darshan Pal told mediapersons that farmers will block other major highways and more entry points to Delhi.
“We will block Delhi-Jaipur highway by December 12 and a pan-India agitation will be launched on December 14,” Darshan said.
Agriculture Ministry Joint Secretary Vivek Aggarwal sent a draft proposal to leaders of 13 agitating farmer unions saying that it will give a “written assurance” that the existing Minimum Support Price (MSP) regime for procurement will continue.
The government conveyed to farmer leaders that it was ready to make necessary amendments on at least seven issues, including one to allay fears about weakening of the mandi system.
The draft proposal was in accordance with Home Minister Amit Shah’s assurance after meeting union leaders on Tuesday night. However, it failed to break the ice.
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