Centre ready for talks, but won't repeal agri laws; farmers threaten to block rail despite cold and COVID-19

As the farmers’ protest entered the 15th day, Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said that the Centre remains open to have dialogue with farmers, but the farmers’ demand for withdrawing the legislations is ’not acceptable' As the farmers’ protest entered the 15th day, Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar Thurday appealed to the protesting farmers to withdraw their agitation while indicating that the Centre would not withdraw the three contentious farm laws enacted in September this year. Farmers on @AgriGoI minister Narendra Tomar’s PC :- Darshanpal :- We are ready for talk but we reject the proposal sent by union govt, There is no point in discussing this proposal, Repeal the laws @ndtv — Saurabh shukla December 10, 2020 ANI also quoted Rakesh Tikait, spokesperson of the Bharatiya Kisan Union, as saying, “If Centre was agreeing to 12 of our demands out of 15, that means the bills are not right, then why not destroy them. Today's press conference by the Centre proves that they have decided to fight against the country's 'annadata': Shiromani Akali Dal Chief Sukhbir Singh Badal #FarmLaws pic.twitter.com/MQLVOc0GGD — ANI December 10, 2020 The Centre’ press briefing comes a day after farmers’ leaders rejected the government’s proposal promising a written assurance on Minimum Support Price and amending certain portions of two of the three contentious farm laws and announced that they will intensify their agitation. Government is ready to discuss the provisions that may adversely affect the farmers: Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on being asked if #FarmLaws will be repealed pic.twitter.com/poXurJtmYG — ANI December 10, 2020 Farmers to block rail tracks According to news agency PTI, farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal, speaking to media at the Singhu border, said that the Centre has admitted that laws have been made for traders.