Jind: Emissary initiates talks

Haryana Finance Minister and Chief Minister Chautala’s trouble-shooter, Sampat Singh, set the ball rolling today to sort out the fortni...

Haryana Finance Minister and Chief Minister Chautala’s trouble-shooter, Sampat Singh, set the ball rolling today to sort out the fortnight-long standoff with farmers in Jind district, meeting some leaders of the BKU which is spearheading the agitation.

‘‘My attitude is positive. Farmers are our strong base and we hardly have any problems while talking to them and settling the dust that has kicked up since the crisis at Kandela broke,’’ he said.

He had been yesterday appointed chairman of a four-member team set up to sort out the crisis.

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Asked about the move to form a panel to negotiate while slapping treason cases against 1,100 farmers at Hisar — he said, ‘‘We will reach a compromise and abide by it. Cases can be looked into later. The INLD has worked for the farmers and will continue to work for them.’’

After meeting the leaders, Sampat exuded optimism that the crisis would not last more than hours. He said several leaders from the adjoining villages of Kandela had met him and expressed a desire for a peaceful solution.

‘‘Not those who are at the helm of affairs but those close to the rank and file of the BKU have held negotiations with me today,’’ he said. Meanwhile, the farmer leaders continued their agitation. ‘‘Until we reach some understanding how can we expect them to halt their agitation? As soon as agreement is reached normalcy will be restored,’’ Sampat said.