Farmers’ Protest Enters 26th Day; Govt Asks Protesters To Choose Date For Next Round Of Talks | Top Developments

Even as the protesting farmers remain adamant on their demand of a complete rollback of the three laws, the Centre asked them to specify their concerns over its earlier proposal of amendments in the new laws.

(PTI Photo/Atul Yadav)(PTI14-12-2020_000252A)

Farmers' Protest: The massive stir by farmers entered its 26^th straight day on Monday, yet the protesters continue to camp at the borders of Delhi, braving the cold weather conditions. As any breakthrough eludes their talks with the government, the protesting farmers have decided to intensify their agitation against the three farms laws passed by the Centre. The three farm laws have been projected by the central government as major reforms in the agriculture sector that will remove the middlemen and allow farmers to sell anywhere in the country, in turn benefitting the farmers. However, the protesting farmers remain adamant on their demand of a complete rollback of the three laws. They have expressed apprehension that the new laws would pave the way for eliminating the safety cushion of Minimum Support Price. Here are the top developments: Govt writes to farmer unions inviting them for next round of talks, asks them to choose date: The government on Sunday wrote to the protesting farmers and asked them to specify their concerns over its earlier proposal of amendments in the new laws. It has also asked them to choose a convenient date for the next round of talks. Farmer unions’ relay hunger strike: Protesting farmers have announced a daylong relay hunger strike at all protest sites to press for their demand of complete rollback of the three contentious agrarian laws. Congress questions PM Modi’s silence on ongoing farmers' protests: The Congress on Sunday targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his “silence" on the ongoing farmers' protests and asked why he had not yet condoled the demise of 33 protesters. Kisan Ekta Morcha Alleges Facebook Blocking Its Account Used By Protesting Farmers: Facebook page of protesting farmers operated under the name Kisan Ekta Morcha was allegedly banned by Facebook on Sunday. The account was shut down for few hours before it was restored again. The page was largely used by protesting farmers' organisations to send updates and inform them about the agitations. ‘Will take over toll plazas, bang utensils during 'Mann ki Baat': Farmers In yet another attempt to display their strong disagreement with government on the three agrarian laws, the farmers, who observed "Shradhanjali Divas" on Sunday, warned the government that they will make all the toll plazas free in Haryana between December 25-27 . They said they will bang utensils till the time the PM is speaking in Mann Ki Baat on December 27.