PM should keep his word to repeal farm laws: NPCC

November 22, 2021 69 Views No Comment

Staff Reporter DIMAPUR, NOV 22 (NPN) : Even though Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 19 had apologized and announced Centre’s decision to repeal the three farm laws, Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) president K. Theire on Sunday said that the Congress party would only accept once the three contentious laws were withdrawn in the Parliament during the winter session.

He said it was a huge victory for the farmers after a year-long struggle.

Addressing media persons here at the Tourist Lodge, Therie said that the Prime Minister had made many promises which were not fulfilled and hoped that three farm laws would also not be like the promise made to resolve the Naga political issue.

Taking a dig at the BJP, Therie said that the saffron party’s arrogance on the farm laws led to the death of nearly 700 farmers, who had been protesting since September 2020. He said that the “recent bye election results, which had humiliated the BJP in the mainland, had cooled down their arrogance.”

On the statement made by Modi that his government was unable to convince a section of farmers about the benefits of the new farm laws, Therie said that this small section of people had defeated BJP in the bye elections, which was a clear indication of the downfall of the BJP.

He said that after the 2024 general election, the nation would witness a change and the people would once again smile.

Despite the already existing Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC), that has benefited the people, Therie pointed out that the new farm laws were only meant to favour the corporates and to take over the affairs of agricultural business.

“What was the need of having these three farm laws to curb the benefit of the middle men and farmers”, Therie questioned.

With regard to Nagaland, Therie said that the state government had no agriculture policy or Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers. He also said that even though Nagaland had adopted APMC, it was not functioning as it should.

He also said that even if the farm laws may not impact Nagaland, it was important to come forward and help the agriculture producing farmers.

When asked if repealing of the farm laws was impelled by fear of the crucial elections early next year, Therie said the BJP may have thought that by doing so, they could win back the hearts of the people, but it would prove them wrong. “BJP will continue to make mistakes”, he stated.

When asked about the several protests being carried out by his party, Therie said that the Congress would continue to voice out the concerns of the public until the state government wakes up from its slumber.

NPCC vice president and chairman of the farmers wing, V Lasuh said the Congress would continue to protest until and unless Centre guarantees the MSP.

Source: http://www.nagalandpost.com/pm-should-keep-his-word-to-repeal-farm-laws-npcc/245057.html