Amidst the ongoing standoff between protesting agriculturalists and security forces at dual points along the Punjab-Haryana border, a protracted deliberation unfolded involving three Union ministers and representatives from the dissenting farmer unions. However, this marathon meeting concluded on Thursday sans a definitive resolution. Union Minister Arjun Munda conveyed that the discourse was characterized by a “positive” tone, announcing that another round of discussions is slated for Sunday.
The farmer leaders, undeterred, declared their intent to maintain their presence at the two pivotal junctures bridging Punjab and Haryana. Union Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Minister Munda, alongside Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, constituted the government’s contingent addressing the farmer unions’ multifaceted demands, which encompassed a legislative assurance of a minimum support price (MSP) for agricultural produce.
Following the extensive 5-hour colloquy, Minister Munda, briefing the media, articulated the proceedings as having unfolded in an amiable ambiance, with constructive discussions. He announced the continuity of talks, scheduling the next meeting for 6 pm on Sunday, expressing confidence that a resolution would be achieved through collaborative efforts.
Punjab’s Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann, also participated in the meeting held at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration in New Delhi. Mann elucidated that comprehensive deliberations transpired between farmer leaders and the government. “A detailed discussion took place on each topic, reaching consensus on several issues,” he asserted.
In addition, Mann highlighted the deployment of a drone by Haryana Police to disperse tear gas shells on protesters within Punjab. Assurances were sought from the Central government to engage with the Haryana administration, urging them to preserve tranquility at the Punjab-Haryana borders.
Prominent farmer representatives, including SKM (Non-Political) leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal and Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee General Secretary Sarwan Singh Pandher, actively engaged in the discourse. Pandher elucidated their meticulous discussion on various demands, emphasizing the imperative need for a legal guarantee of the minimum support price (MSP) and debt relief.
Expressing apprehension regarding the current milieu, encompassing the suspension of social media accounts and the use of tear gas, Pandher declared, “We emphasized our distinction from Pakistan, advocating for a positive outcome and urging the avoidance of any confrontation. Otherwise, our intended march to Delhi will proceed.”
The farmer leaders also decried the alleged suspension of social media accounts belonging to several leaders, with assurances from the ministers that the restoration of such accounts is imminent, according to farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal.
This marked the third installment of talks between the opposing factions, with the preceding dialogues on February 8 and 12 proving inconclusive. The deliberations will persist, with the forthcoming round scheduled for 6 pm on Sunday.