The observation of the Supreme Court on Monday that contained strong words for the government carried a strong hint that staying of the three farm laws was in the offing. On Tuesday that proved true and the contentious laws have been suspended by the apex court from being implemented until further notice. But the bigger takeaway of the ruling is the formation of a committee by the SC which has been entrusted to hear the parties and understand the ground situation and finally present a solution. Mixed reactions have come since the delivery of the order in the afternoon and to tell facts, the uncertainty is far from over. This is since the farmer unions have reiterated for one more time that despite the fact they welcome the SC’s order of staying the implementation of the laws, they still are in no mood of calling off the protests until their ultimate demand which is a total recall of the laws is fulfilled. Although different reactions are flowing in as to in whose court the ball now actually lies, judging the sentiments of the farmers, at least that which have arrived till late evening on the day, it appears that it actually lies in the court of the government and none else.

The farmer unions have categorically made it clear that they will not participate in any court-formed committee and will not call off their protests until the legislations are fully repealed. Mistrust, which remained high all throughout the impasse, will perhaps continue for a longer period since the majority of the members of the proposed committee, as the farmers are arguing, have been quite vocal in support of the laws and have advocated for their implementation over various platforms.  The All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC), the umbrella under which the farmers are carrying on their protests, have through a press statement said that they wish to interact with the government and not the SC. If this stand continues it is apparent the views or suggestions which will come from the committee will have little relevance in breaking the ice and it will actually be back to square one for all stakeholders and the issue itself. This is a unique situation having little or no precedence in the country and as the developments suggest, it’s only if the farmers’ demands are conceded by the Centre, the deadlock will end.

The trust factor remains paramount in every negotiation process and at the end of the day, unfortunately, that has failed to arrive on the horizon. The Central government still should keep on trying in its attainment. But for the time being, there is only a temporary respite from the stalemate and not a total end.   

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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