Farmers' protest: SKM forms panel for talks with govt; farm leader says Amit Shah called

A five-member committee formed by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) will hold talks with the Centre. The chosen five - Yudhavir Singh (UP), Shiv Kumar Kakka (MP), Balbir Rajewal (Punjab), Ashok Dhawale (Maha), Gurnam Singh Chadhuni (Haryana), will be empowered to hold talks with the government on behalf of the farmers' union.

The SKM will hold their next meeting on December 7 and discuss further course of action.

HOME MINISTER AMIT SHAH IN TALKS WITH FARM LEADERS

In an exclusive conversation with India Today TV, Ashok Dhawle, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with farm leaders Balbir Rajewal and Yudhavir Singh.

All three - Dhawle, Rajewal and Singh, are part of the 5-member committee formed by the SKM empowered to hold talks with the Centre.

Ashok Dhawale, also, claimed that the repeal of the three agri laws was "a big victory for Indian farmers". He said the farmers' union will put forth their demands for a Central law for MSP, junking of the Electricity Bill and Parali Bill, withdrawal of cases filed against farmers, compensation for families of 700 farmers who died during the agitation.

Ashok Dhawle is a Maharastra farm leader and president of CPI’s All India Kisan Sabha.

WHY DID SKM COME UP WITH A 5-MEMBER COMMITTEE?

- The SKM believes the government was attempting to divide the farmers by making individual calls to certain farmers requesting to establish a communication channel.

- The SKM believes with them choosing five people, now the Centre will have to formally contact any of the members named.

- If the Government calls upon the SKM for deliberation, these five members will represent the farmers' union.

- Post meeting with the Government, the 5-member committee will convene a full body meeting and decide future course of action

When India Today asked Yogendra Yadav whether the agitating farmers are hopeful that a decision will be arrived upon by the next meeting, he said, “... there have been certain positive signs from the government, which is why we are hopeful that a decision could be arrived upon by 7th.”

While, Shiv Kumar Kakka, a part of the 5-member committee, told India Today, “We want official communication with the Government, whatever promises they make will have to be in written.”

Further, SKM will demand the withdrawal of cases filed during the Red Fort violence, the sacking of Ajay Mishra Teni for Lakhimpur Kheri violence and that he should be tried under murder charges.

READ: Committee, Cases, Compensation: 3 'Cs' that are stopping farmers’ from withdrawing their agitation