The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Thiruvananthapuram): Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor expressed his views on Wednesday regarding the ongoing farmers’ protest in India. He compared the heavy fortification in the national capital, due to the farmers’ protest, to the country’s border with China, suggesting that even the border is not as fortified. Tharoor emphasized the democratic right of farmers to protest and be heard in the national capital. He criticized the government’s approach, suggesting that they should have learned from the previous year-long farmers’ agitation, which led to the withdrawal of certain government actions after extensive protests.
Sarwan Singh Pandher, General Secretary of the Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, stated that a meeting with the Centre is scheduled for 5 pm the next day. He expressed the farmers’ intention to resolve issues peacefully and through dialogue. Pandher reiterated the farmers’ commitment to peaceful discussions and appealed to the government to create a cordial atmosphere, stopping the use of tear gas and other forces against the protesters.
Pandher also alleged that the police used self-loading rifles (SLR) with plastic and rubber bullets, as well as tear gas, against the farmers marching to the national capital. He condemned these actions and objected to the portrayal of the farmers in the media as Khalistani supporters or affiliated with the Congress and Punjab government.
Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda, involved in negotiations with the farmer leaders, urged the protesters to cooperate and communicate to prevent public inconvenience. Munda highlighted the complexity of forming new laws and the government’s willingness to discuss these with farmer organizations.
