Farmers’ protest: Bhupinder Singh Mann quits SC-nominated panel for talks, says this

Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) president Bhupinder Singh Mann, who was among the 4 members of the committee appointed by the Supreme Court on farm laws, on Thursday stated he is recusing himself from the panel.

In a tweet, the Bhartiya Kisan Union stated, “Bhupinder Singh Mann Ex-MP and nationwide president of BKU and chairman of All India Kisan Coordination Committee has recused himself from the four-member committee made up by the Hon’ ble Supreme Court.”

The BKU also tweeted an unsigned text statement supposedly issued by Mann.

” While I am thankful to the Hon’ ble Supreme Court of India for choosing me in the 4 member committee to begin dialogue with Kisan Unions on the three laws generated by the Central Federal government. As a farmer myself and a Union leader, in view of the prevailing sentiments and apprehensions amongst the farm unions and the general public in basic, I am prepared to sacrifice any position used or offered to me so as to not compromise the interests of Punjab and farmers of the country, I am recusing myself from the Committee and I will always stand with my farmers and Punjab,” Mann said.

The Supreme Court, had on Tuesday, put the three new controversial farm laws on hold and purchased to make up a committee to be headed by a previous Chief Justice of India to fix the deadlock between the Centre and farmers against the laws.

” The agents of all the farmers’ bodies, whether they are holding a protest or not and whether they support or oppose the laws shall take part in the deliberations of the Committee and put forth their viewpoints. The Committee shall, upon hearing the Government in addition to the representatives of the farmers’ bodies, and other stakeholders, submit a report prior to this Court including its suggestions,” noted the SC.

The SC likewise remained the implementation of the farm laws until additional orders. “In addition, the farmers landholdings shall be secured, i.e., no farmer will be dispossessed or deprived of his title as a result of any action taken under the Farm Laws,” said the SC.