A major farmers protest march on Indias capital has been temporarily suspended for two days, a key union leader announced today.Sarwan Singh Pandher, head of the Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, told a press briefing that the Delhi Chalo demonstration would pause to allow discussion over a violent incident in Khanauri. The nature of any further marches would also be clarified after the two-day halt, he stated.The decision follows appeals from the central government for renewed talks over the agricultural reforms dispute. Farmers are across the country. While making policy, it is important to keep in mind the interest of farmers of the entire country, said Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda.On Wednesday, farmer unions had resumed the Delhi march after the collapse of a fourth round of negotiations with the government. A ministerial panel had proposed guaranteed purchases of pulses, maize and cotton at minimum support prices for five years under contractual farming arrangements. However, farm leaders rejected the offer.Thousands of protesters will remain camped at border sites during the temporary suspension of the action. Key demands include legal guarantees on minimum crop prices and farm debt relief.The farmers are pressing the government to repeal three agriculture laws passed last September, which they fear could dismantle longstanding price support systems.
