Farmers threaten to intensify protest if laws not scrapped: Agitation enters 16th day

Farmers' agitation against the Centre's new farm laws has entered the 16th day. Leaders of farmer unions have refused to accept Centre's offer of amendments in the new farm laws and a written assurance on continuing the MSP system.

The Delhi Chalo farmers' protest at border points in New Delhi has entered the 16th day today. Farmer leaders have rejected the government's offer of amendments in the new farm laws and a written assurance on continuing the MSP system. Farmers have also announced that they will block railway tracks if their demands are not met.

Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and Food Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said the media has to explore and find out if there are any forces driving the ongoing farmers to protest at various borders of the national capital. When asked if some force was behind the protest, Tomar said: "Media's eyes are sharp and we will leave to it to find out."

"The press has to explore and use your investigation skills to find out," said Goyal while addressing media on the draft proposal sent to the protesting farmers unions. "We believe that the farmers had certain issues. We respect farmers came and discussed with us. We tried to address the issues that came up during the course of discussion. If there are other issues which are to be discussed or need clarification on the current proposal, we are ready for that. Whether there is any other reason holding them back, we will leave that to your wise counsel," he added.