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Delhi(ATB): “India is the largest democracy whereas farmers have not been provided resolve in spite of farmers agitating in bone chilling winters for the last two months and losing more than 60 precious lives” expressed Hardeep Grewal.
“Farmers stood with Indian Government during Green revolution in 1965 and produced bumper crops to save the country from food crisis. They are asking for MSP (Maximum Support Price). They have no concern for MRP (Maximum retail Price) narrated Grewal.
Hardeep Grewal belongs to renowned Grewal family of Punjab, a big time farmer and social activist from Ludhiana. His elder brother, Pal Singh Grewal has been five times Ludhiana City councillor, Ex- Chairman of Market committee, Chairman of Agri bank and Grewal family’s association with Rajewal is close to four decades.
“At this time the entire farmers are together under one banner for the just cause” asserted Grewal.
Meanwhile, farmers also made it clear that they will hold a peaceful tractor rally on January 26 “inside Delhi” and that there is no scope of compromise on the issue. Jagmohan Singh Patiala of BKU (Dakaunda) said they told the Delhi police that farmers are preparing for a peaceful march (of tractors and trolleys with tricolours and unions’ flags and tableaux portraying lifestyle of farmers) on the Outer Ring Road and that there will be no change in the route plan.
Meanwhile, ahead of the tenth round of talks between agitating farmers and union ministers, members of the Supreme Court-appointed committee to deliberate with stakeholders concerned the three contentious farm laws in their coming week first meeting.
The three members, Ashok Gulati (former CACP chairman) Anil Ghanwat (president of the Shetkari Sanghatana) and Pramod Joshi (former Director for South Asia, International Food Policy Research Institute), said personal views on the three laws notwithstanding, they will do their assignment (which is to present views of all sides to the SC) with complete objectivity and impartiality.
“We will try to convince the agitating farmers (who have already rejected the committee) to depose before them,” Ghanwat said
The fourth member appointed by the SC, BKU’s Bhupinder Singh Mann, had recused himself from the committee following widespread criticism. Recently, the members discussed the road-map of activities for the Committee for two months to prepare recommendations. Members said they will hold discussions with farmers and farmer organisations, both pro and against the farm laws.
The committee will send invitations to farmers’ unions and associations to discuss their views. Individual farmer can also submit his/her views on the portal to be notified soon. It will also hold discussions with State Governments,
State Marketing Boards and other stakeholders like Farmer Producer Organisations, and Cooperatives, etc. Those who cannot meet personally can post suggestions on the website.
The committee is keen to understand the opinion on the subject of all concerned so that it can give suggestions which will definitely be in the interests of the farmers of India. “It will be a ‘nishpaksh’ (unbiased) committee. We have not been asked to give our views. Our responsibility is to present the views of farmers and stakeholders which we will do with complete impartiality,” they said.
Around the Globe, people are concerned about the outcome of this agitation.