"Government Ready To Deliberate On Every Demand": Amit Shah To Farmers

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday reached out to thousands of farmers who have been camping in and outside Delhi to protest against the farm laws passed by the Centre recently. "The government is ready to deliberate on every problem and demand of the farmers," Mr Shah said in a video message.

Mr Shah said the Centre will hold talks with the agitating farmers' unions on December 3 and if they want to hold discussions before that, they will have to shift their protests at a government-designated venue.

"If farmers' unions want to hold discussions before December 3 then, I want to assure you all, that as soon as you shift your protest to the structured place, the government will hold talks to address your concerns the very next day," he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Thousands of farmers marching from Punjab under the "Delhi Chalo" campaign braved watercannons and tear gas shells to reach Delhi on Friday. They were, however, not allowed into the national capital. As the protests continued, the Centre, which looks after the national capital's law and order, relented and fixed a place for their agitation.

The protestors, however, refused to go to the outer Delhi venue and are camping at several places on the outskirts of the national capital.

Earlier this week, visuals showed farmers surging ahead despite the heavy presence of security personnel to stop their advance. As opposition parties and social media users rallied behind them, the Centre on Friday agreed to hold talks over their demands.

"The government has always been ready to discuss issues with farmers. We have invited farmers' organisations for another round of talks on 3rd December. I appeal to them to leave agitation in view of COVID-19 and winter," Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has urged farmers to reciprocate the Home Minister's gesture by accepting his appeal to shift to a designated place, a statement from his office read.

The farmers are protesting the laws that the Centre says will reform the agricultural sector by removing middlemen and allowing them (the farmers) to sell produce anywhere in the country. Farmers and opposition parties, however, allege the laws will deprive them of guaranteed minimum price for their produce.