Farmer Unions Reject Modi Govt's Offer To Suspend Farm Reforms, Demand Full Withdrawal Of The Laws

The protesting farmer unions have rejected the Narendra Modi led central government's offer to suspend the three farm laws for next one and a half year. The farmers have demanded that they want a complete withdrawal of the three laws and also enactment of a legislation for remunerative MSP for all farmers.

This decision was announced by the farmers following the conclusion of the full general body meeting of Samyukt Kisan Morcha.

It now remains to be seen how the government reacts to this proposal rejection by the farmer unions.

The farmer union leaders have threatened to carry out a massive tractor rally in Delhi on Republic Day. The farmers have been protesting on Delhi's borders since November by blocking key roads, thereby causing a huge inconvenience for the common public.

The historic farm laws are considered landmark reforms which empower farmers to break free from the shackles of APMC mandis and allow them to directly deal with private players, to ensure a better price for their produce.

This has resulted in widespread protests in Punjab, which people allege are triggered by middlemen who are expected to be at a disadvantage under these new laws. The protests have also been supported by pro-Khalistani elements.

Incidentally, scores of farmer unions and farmers from across the country have come out in support of the farm laws but it appears that the street protests against the laws have now caused the government to relent.

The Supreme Court has already placed a stay on the implementation of the farm laws.