Punjab reaches out to Centre and farmers, proposes longer pause

Wary of the protracted farmers’ agitation within the capital and the Republic Day incident at Red Fort, the Punjab authorities has stepped up efforts to succeed in out to the Centre to work in direction of an early decision, sources informed The Indian Express.
Some high state officers have been tenting in Delhi and are in fixed contact with each the protesting farmers and the Centre.
There have been issues within the state authorities that after the Nishan Sahib was hoisted at Red Fort,the agitation would fizzle out and farmers would return empty-handed.
“Everybody here knows that if farmers come back without getting anything after these weeks and months of protests, anger will mount in the state. That would be a perfect breeding ground for resentment and we cannot afford that,” stated a high state authorities functionary.
That’s why, sources stated, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh invoked Operation Blue Star on the all-party assembly this week and warned that Pakistan may “exploit” the state of affairs to foment bother.
“Thanks to Rakesh Tikait, the agitation has got a new lease of life. If another Red Fort-like incident happens, it will be difficult for the leaders to sustain the agitation. Wisdom lies in taking it to a logical conclusion and save Punjab from any after-effects,” stated a supply who’s conscious of discussions between the state and the Centre.
He stated the state is making an attempt to impress upon the Centre to repeal the legal guidelines however the Centre is “willing to do anything other than repeal.” So one choice the state has proposed is to place the legal guidelines on maintain for 3 years as a substitute of the sooner provide of 18 months.
“The farmers leaders had not agreed then. But now we are working on both the farmers as well as the Centre to make sure that the agitation is called off soon. If we can get the laws on hold until 2024 — which means the next elections — we can then work on the farmers to back down. After the Republic Day incident,we all have learnt our lessons. We will have to agree on something,” stated the supply.

“The Centre also acknowledges that if there is trouble in Punjab, that could have a spill-over effect across the country,” stated the supply.
Asked what was the time-frame the state was taking a look at, the supply stated: “It should not take long.”
Sources stated the Punjab CMO has briefed its officers in addition to farm unions that talks with the Centre ought to proceed.“The communication channel should not break. There may not be any solution but meetings should continue.,” stated the supply.
Those conscious of those talks say the farmers’ reservation in opposition to suspension of legal guidelines was that there was “huge pressure” from folks again residence. “Farmer leaders feel that if they come back with anything less than a repeal, people, who have been supporting the agitation will feel let down,” stated the supply.
He added that public assist to the agitation has been robust. After the Red Fort incident, village panchayats are working to maintain the agitation going.“Funds are being made available. Panchayats have bought new tractors to ensure that supporters reach Delhi and the numbers don’t dwindle.”