“A respectful solution should be reached. We will never agree to anything under pressure,” Mr Tikait told news agency PTI.
According to the report by news agency PTI, farmer leader Naresh Tikait on Sunday said that protesting farmers will honour the dignity of the prime minister, but are also committed to protecting their own self-respect. His statement came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his government was just a “phone call away” for talks with them.
The government should “release our men and prepare an environment conducive for talks”, Mr Tikait said.
At the Ghazipur border between Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, Mr Tikait told PTI: “A respectful solution should be reached. We will never agree to anything under pressure.”
Earlier on Saturday, speaking at an all-party meeting, PM Modi had said his government’s offer on Agri laws made to protesting farmers “still stands” and it was a just “phone call away” for talks.
“We will honour and respect the dignity of the prime minister. Farmers don’t want that the government or Parliament to bow down to them,” Mr Tikait said.
He added: “Will also ensure that the self-respect of farmers is protected. A middle way should be found. Talks should be held.”
During the tractor march organised by protesting farmers’ on the Republic day, deviating from pre-designated routes for the parade, a group of protesting farmers reached Red Fort on tractors. A protestor had hoisted the Nishan Sahib and farmer union flags from the ramparts of the Red Fort.
“The violence on January 26 was part of a conspiracy. The Tricolor is over and above everything. We will never let anyone disrespect it. It will not be tolerated,” Mr Tikait said.
Over 80 arrests in connection with the violence and vandalism on R-day have been made by the police, with around 40 cases registered.
“The government should release our men and prepare an environment conducive for talks. A respectful solution should be reached. We will never agree to anything under pressure,” Mr Tikait added.
As an independent media platform, we do not take advertisements from governments and corporate houses. It is you, our readers, who have supported us on our journey to do honest and unbiased journalism. Please contribute, so that we can continue to do the same in future.
