NEW DELHI: Indian farmers on Friday rejected an offer by the government todefer three farm reform laws for one-and-half years, warning they wouldstep up protests as they seek a repeal of the laws and a guarantee onminimum crop prices.
Farm leaders said hundreds of thousands of farmers from neighbouring statesincluding Haryana, Punjab and western Uttar Pradesh would drive tractorsthrough New Delhi on January 26, the Republic Day national holiday whenPrime Minister Narendra Modi will join a parade of military forces.
Although some former government officials have expressed concern that theprotests could turn violent, the leaders said they would remain peacefuland urged the police to grant permission for the convoy to enter thecapital.
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The 11th round of talks between government officials led by Agriculturalminister Narendra Singh Tomar and forty farm leaders earlier on Friday wasinconclusive. Farmers stuck to their demands while the government urgedthem to consider its offer to hold discussions to address their concernsafter deferring the laws.
