Farmers' protest: Talks between government and farm union leaders end in deadlock, next meeting proposed on December 9

The fifth round of talks between the Centre and the farmers' union once again ended in a deadlock. The leaders representing the farmers went on a 'maun vrat' (vow of silence) during the meeting and sought a plain yes or no from the government on the issue of repealing the three new farm laws.

Meanwhile, the government has proposed another round of talks on December 9 to end the logjam.

Over 40 farmer leaders from more than 32 farm unions had participated in the meeting demanding a repeal of the new farm laws.

The meeting that began at 2 pm at the Vigyan Bhavan was the fifth round of talks between the central government and protesting farmers. The agitation has led to major chaos at the Delhi borders - site of protests - and hampered supply chains to the city.

Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, Consumer Affairs Minister Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of State Som Prakash and Agriculture Secretary Sanjay Agarwal had joined the talks from the government side while Bharatiya Kisan Union, Bharatiya Kisan Sanyukt Morcha and Krantikari Kisan Union were among 32 farm organisations represented at the meeting.

According to reports, the central government was likely to give a written assurance to farmers on MSP and the repeal of the new farm laws bu the meeting ended in a deadlock.

Earlier in the day, a high-level meeting was held at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence, in which Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar participated.

The meeting with the prime minister lasted over one-and-half hours in which the ministers discussed solutions for the protesting farmers. 

This was the fifth round of talks between the Centre and protesting farmers that ended in a stalemate.

Farmers are protesting against three new laws - The laws are The Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020; The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020; and The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.

(With agency inputs)