The Supreme Court on Friday asked the states of Haryana and Punjab to suggest the names of neutral persons who can be included in a committee to negotiate with the protesting farmers at the Shambhu border near Ambala, where they have been camping since February 13.

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and R Mahadevan emphasised the need to inspire confidence in the farmers and therefore suggested both the states come out with common names for the committee.