Farmers’ protest against farm laws at Jantar Mantar; Tomar says ready for talks

New Delhi: Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Thursday once again reiterated that his Government is ready to hold negotiations about the contentious farm laws even as around 200 farmers descended on the heart of Delhi to protest against the enactment of the legislations.The farmers’ gathered at the Jantar Mantar, which is stone throw away from Parliament to raise their objections while the Opposition parties such as the Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal extended their support inside Parliament, demanding discussions and held protests in front of Mahatma Gandhi’s status.

The farmers came packed in buses from the Singhu and Tikri border to hold a parallel ‘kisan sansad’. They were joined by supporters and celebrities from Punjab.

“The country has witnessed that these farm laws are beneficial and are in favour of farmers. We have had discussions about these laws. If they express their issues with the laws point-wise, we can discuss it,” Tomar told reporters.

Earlier, in a written reply in Lok Sabha, Tomar had said his government has strived for a resolution during the 11 round of negotiations held so far with the farmers, especially on the provisions on which there are differences. However, the talks have remained inconclusive.

The three laws in question are the Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act.

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