"We have made the decision to revoke all three farm laws, and the process will commence during the upcoming Parliament session," stated Modi in a televised speech. He encouraged the protesting farmers to go back to their families and start anew. Leaders of the protests cautiously welcomed Modi's change of heart and planned to convene in New Delhi to discuss the next steps. Many of the demonstrators belong to India's Sikh community, and Modi strategically announced the repeal on Guru Nanak Jayanti, a significant Sikh holiday. Ramandeep Singh Mann, a farmer leader and activist, expressed his joy upon hearing the news, likening it to conquering Mount Everest." Mann stated that it is still uncertain whether the government will accept the farmers' additional demand for a law ensuring a minimum price for crops. He mentioned that the farmers will remain encamped outside New Delhi until Parliament officially revokes the three laws. Despite the farmers' unwavering stance, Modi's government has supported the market-friendly laws passed last year. The protesters have endured harsh conditions, including winter, summer, and the COVID-19 pandemic in New Delhi. Modi's government had justified the new laws as a way to attract private investment into a sector that is crucial for the livelihood of over 60% of India's population but has not been contributing significantly to the economy. However, the farmers, who are already burdened by heavy debt and bankruptcies, were concerned that the reduction of government regulations would expose them to exploitation by large corporations. The decision to repeal the laws coincides with Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party gearing up for an election in the northern states of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Uttarakhand, where many of the protesting farmers reside. Despite numerous unsuccessful negotiations, the farmers changed their approach this autumn by following top government officials as they campaigned in northern India, ensuring their grievances could not be ignored. In October, a confrontation between a BJP convoy and protesting farmers in Uttar Pradesh resulted in the death of four protesters and four others, including a local journalist. The son of a minister in Modi's government is one of the individuals being investigated for murder in the incident. Jagdeep Singh, whose father was among those killed, stated that the decision to repeal the laws was a tribute to those who died during a year of protests, whether due to extreme weather conditions, health issues, COVID-19, or other causes. Approximately 750 protesters have reportedly died, although the government claims to have no data on this. Singh believes that the repeal of the laws is a victory for the farmers who sacrificed their lives to protect others from corporate greed. "They must be happy and smiling, no matter where they are." (©2021 The New York Times Company)