SC-appointed panel member quits, says cannot compromise interests of Punjab

Even before the first round of talks between the Supreme Court-appointed negotiation panel could begin, one of the four members of the committee has stepped down.

In a statement announcing his decision, Bharatiya Kisan Union (Mann) President Bhupinder Singh Mann said, "As a farmer myself and a Union leader, in view of the prevailing sentiments and apprehensions amongst the farm unions and public in general, I am ready to sacrifice any position offered or given to me so as to not compromise the interests of Punjab and farmers of the country."

Thanking the Supreme Court for nominating him to the 4-member committee, Mann further said that he was "recusing himself from the committee". 

"I will always stand with my farmers and Punjab," he added.

Before being appointed by the Apex court to be part of the committee that would negotiate with the farmers, the former Rajya Sabha MP had played a crucial role in setting up the All India Kisan Coordination Committee.

The Supreme Court had on Tuesday also stayed the implementation of the three controversial farm laws besides forming a four-member committee.

• Bhupinder Singh Mann
• Farmers protest
• Supreme Court
• expert panel
• farm laws