Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda stated on Wednesday that the central government is prepared to address all concerns raised by Punjab farmers and has extended an invitation for a fifth round of talks, emphasizing the need for a resolution through dialogue.
“After the fourth round, the government is prepared to discuss all issues like MSP, crop diversification, stubble burning, and FIR in the fifth round. I once again invite the farmer leaders for discussions,” Arjun Munda told ANI.
“I appeal to them to maintain peace, and we should find a solution through dialogue,” he added.
While the farmers have not responded to the invitation yet, Minister Munda urged them to move forward with the talks.
“No information has been received yet (from the farmers’ side). We appeal to move forward for talks and present our stance. The government also wants to move forward and find a solution,” the Union Minister remarked.
Minister Munda is part of the team of Union Ministers conducting discussions with farmer leaders, which also includes Piyush Goyal and Nityanand Rai.
Earlier in the day, Sarwan Singh Pandher, the general secretary of Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, reiterated the demand for a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) and assured a peaceful approach going forward.
As the ‘Dilli Chalo’ march resumed on Wednesday, Pandher stated that only the leaders would be marching towards the national capital, emphasizing a peaceful approach.
The farmers resumed their march on Wednesday morning after the fourth round of talks ended in a stalemate. On February 19, farmer leaders rejected the Centre’s proposal on MSP purchase, deeming it unfavorable for farmers.