Stalement over farm laws continues, next meeting on January19

The ninth round of discussion between farmers over farm laws ended Friday without any solution. "It was a 120 per cent failure. We suggested that the government remove the changes made to the Essential Commodities Act instead of scrapping it altogether. But the Agriculture Minister has not said anything on this," farmer leader Dr Darshanpal said. The next meeting between the two sides will be held on January 19.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, union agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar said that the talks were inconclusive but cordial. "We hope discussions would continue. The government offered that the farmers can form an informal group among themselves and submit a proposal on what they want," he said. The government will present its side before the committee constituted by the Supreme Court when asked: Tomar said. Tomar said, "I did not want to say it but the farmers have been telling media persons that we are firm on farm laws but we have accepted most of your demands but the farmers are stuck on their stand. Farmers are not even taking a step forward."

Leaders of the 40 farmers' unions negotiating with the centre also said they want continued direct communication with the centre, "not brokers". They maintain they will not appear before the panel since the members were already in "favour of the farm laws". According to sources during Friday's meeting farmer leaders also raised the issue of continued raids by central agencies on those supporting their movement logistically, and use of the stringent Unlawful Activities Prevention Act against them.The centre reportedly has said it will look into the issue.