The seventh round of government-farmer talks opened with a tribute to those who died during the demonstration against the three notorious farm bills.
More than 20 demonstrators have died from injuries, cold bites and suicide since the uprising began at the end of November.
Six rounds of talks between a coalition of Union ministers and members of the United Farmers’ Front have stalled, even though the government has secured changes to the current farm laws and a minimum support price guarantee, along with the approval of two other energy demands and the decriminalization of the burning of stubble.
The farmers remain firm on their desire for the full abolition of the agricultural laws and the MSP’s legal guarantee.
Thousands of farmers camping on the outskirts of Delhi are coping with freezing weather as farmers and the government try to bargain, and the recent decrease in temperature due to rain has made matters worse for demonstrators.
Thus, the most recent round of talks, currently ongoing at Vigyan Bhavan, began with a salute to those who lost their lives in the rally.
Along with government officials and farmers’ leaders, Union ministers Narendra Singh Tomar, Piyush Goyal and Som Parkash observed a two-minute silence to honor those who had died.
In addition to the ministers of the Union and government authorities, 40 farmers’ delegates are taking part in the conference.
