Farmers’ protest updates: AAP to install Wi-Fi hotspots at Tikri border for protesters

The ongoing farmers’ agitation against the three contentious agricultural laws entered day 44 on Friday, when the eighth round of talks between the government and farm union leaders took place. This meeting remained inconclusive too as the Centre told the protesting farmers that it will not repeal the three laws- which were passed by the parliament in September. The next round of discussions will be held on January 15. Thousands of armers have been camping at border points in Delhi and neighbouring states since November 26.

Meanwhile, Hannan Mollah, General Secretary, All India Kisan Sabha said on Friday that the protesting farmers don’t want anything other than the repeal of the farm laws. “ There was a heated discussion, we said we don’t want anything other than repeal of laws. We won’t go to any Court, this (repeal) will either be done or we’ll continue to fight. Our parade on 26th Jan will go on as planned,” he said.

Also Read | Farmers’ protest updates: Thursday’s event a rehearsal for January 26 tractor march, says farm leader

Several rounds of between the two sides held earlier have failed to resolve the deadlock, with the government firm the laws won’t be repealed, while the farmers are adamant on a complete rollback. The sixth round of talks, on December 30, had ignited hopes of a resolution as the two sides arrived at a consensus on two of the farmers’ four demands. However, nothing came out of the seventh round on January 4, with a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and a total repeal of the three laws being the two sticking points. The government has offered making amendments to the laws, as well as forming committee comprising members from both sides to review these but the proposals have been rejected by the farmers.

Follow all live updates from day 44 of anti-farm law protests here:

AAP to install Wi-Fi hotspots at Tikri border for protesters

AAP leader Raghav Chadha said on Friday that the party had started installing Wi-Fi hotspots at the Tikri border for the protesting farmers after the same was done at the Singh border. “After Singhu Border, Sewadaar @ArvindKejriwal’s WiFi sewa reaches Tikri Border. Free WiFi Hotspot installation in full swing at Tikri,” Chadha tweeted.

Priyanka Gandhi slams UP govt over handling of farmers’ issues

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi hit out at the Uttar Pradesh government regarding the handling of farmers’ issues in the state. In a tweet today, Gandhi shared a video in which police and other administrative officials could be seen arguing with a Sikh man who is a farmer.

A solution would’ve been reached if repealing of laws was the only issue; several other issues to be addressed: Haryana CM Khattar

Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar said on Friday that he was hopeful that a solution could be reached in the next round of talks on January 15. He however pointed out that if repealing of laws was the only issue, a solution would have been reached.

Govt ready to consider any option presented by farmers other than repeal of laws: Agriculture minister

Union agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar said on Friday that a discussion was held regarding the farm laws but no decision could be taken. He further added that the government was ready to consider any option presented by the protesting farmers other than the of the removal of the laws.

Don’t want anything other than repeal of laws: Farmer leader

With the eighth rounds of talks ending between the Centre and the farmers’ unions, Hannan Mollah, General Secretary, All India Kisan Sabha said on Friday that the protesting farmers don’t want anything other than the repeal of the farm laws.

Eight round of talks between Centre, farmers’ unions concludes, next round to be held on Jan 15

Friday’s meeting between the Union ministers and the farmers’ unions remained inconclusive as the former was firm that the new farm laws will not be repealed. Another meeting between the two sides will take place on January 15 as the standoff has entered day 44.

Centre tells farmers’ unions it cannot repeal farm laws amid ongoing discussions

The Centre on Friday remained firm on its stand and told farmers’ unions during the eight round of talks that the three new farm laws, which were passed by Parliament in September, could not repealed.

Eighth round of talks begins

Eighth round of talks between Centre-farm union leaders begins.

Narendra Tomar and Piyush Goyal arrive for talks with farmers

Union ministers Narendra Singh Tomar and Piyush Goyal arrive at Vigyan Bhawan to hold talks with farmer leaders.

Congress MPs, protesting against farm laws, meet Priyanka Gandhi Vadra

Congress MPs and leaders, protesting against Centre’s three farm laws at Jantar Mantar, meet Priyanka Gandhi Vadra at Rahul Gandhi’s residence.

Each side needs to take step to find solution: Agriculture minister Tomar

“I am hopeful that talks will be held in a positive atmosphere and a solution will be found. During discussions, each side has to take steps to reach a solution,” says Union agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar.

Hopeful for a resolution today, says BKU’s Rakesh Tikait

“We’re going for talks with the hope that there will be a resolution today,” says Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) spokesperson.

Hope for best, prepare for worst: Hannan Mollah, farmers’ leader

“The minister yesterday categorically declared that repeal of farm laws not accepted. I don’t know what will happen during the discussions today. Anyway, we hope for the best and prepare for the worst,” says Hannan Mollah, general secretary, All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS).

Farmer leaders leave for eighth round of talks

Farmer leaders from Singhu border leave for Vigyan Bhawan in Delhi for the eighth round of talks with the Centre on farm laws.

No scope of clause wise talks, says farmer

“There is no scope of clause-wise talks. The government should hold a meeting to repeal these laws today itself,” says Balvinder Singh Raju, a farmer.

Solution possible if clause by clause talks are held, says union minister Kailash Chaudhary

“A solution will be found when clause by clause talks are held with farmers. Government of India is ready to make amendments in the laws. We are hopeful of resolution,” says MoS (agriculture) Kailash Choudhary.

Peaceful protests integral part of democracy: Rahul Gandhi

“Peaceful protests are an integral part of democracy. The movement which our farmers are have launched is getting support from all over the country. You too should raise your voice in support of them so that this anti-farmers’ law ends,” tweets Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

Delhi’s borders with UP and Haryana remain closed

Delhi’s borders with Uttar Pradesh at Chilla and Ghazipur, as well as those with Haryana at Singhu, Tikri, Auchandi, Piau Maniyari, Saboli, and Mangesh, remain shut due to the farmers’ agitation.

Also Read | Delhi borders remain closed due to farmers’ protest, traffic diverted

8th round of talks to take place at 2pm today

The eighth round of talks between the government and farm union leaders will take place at 2pm on Friday. The seventh round, held on January 4, too, had failed to end the deadlock.