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The talks between representatives of farmers protesting against the new farm laws and a high-level ministerial committee remained deadlocked even after the fourth round as the government came under tremendous pressure with many eminent persons, including 27 award-winning sports persons, threatening to return the awards bestowed upon them.
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The meeting, which lasted over seven hours, failed to yield any result as the 40-strong farmer delegation refused to accept the offer made by the Ministers to amend the Acts to address their concerns. “Our argument was that the intent of the Acts itself is wrong; how are the amendments going to help?” asked Kavita Kuruganti, a leader of the All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee who was present at the meeting. The leaders said over three lakh farmers protesting at key entry points to the national capital for the last eight days will continue with their agitation.
Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, who, along with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Minister of State for Commerce Som Parkash, represented the government, said the talks were held in conducive conditions, and expressed hope that they will be able to resolve all the issues when the next round of talks are held, on Saturday.
At the same time, the government came under a lot of pressure with many prominent personalities, including Parkash Singh Badal, former Punjab Chief Minister and leader of Shiromani Akali Dal, a former ally of the BJP, threatening to return the Padma Vibhushan. Similarly, 27 Arjuna Award-winning sportpersons from Punjab, at a press conference in Chandigarh on Thursday, said they will return the award to the President on Saturday.
Earlier in the day, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, who called on Home Minister Amit Shah, appealed to the Centre and the protesting farmers to find an early amicable solution as the agitation is not only affecting the State’s economy but also national security.
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