SKM calls for nationwide protest today on completion of 11 months of farmers’ agitation
The United Kisan Morcha (SKM) has called for a nationwide protest as the farmers’ agitation has completed 11 months now. According to the details, protests are planned at tehsil and district headquarters from 11 am to 2 pm on Tuesday. In an official statement, the SKM has said that this is primarily to demand the arrest and dismissal of Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Mishra Teni in connection with the Lakhimpur Kheri incident.
“The protest will end with a memorandum addressed to the President of India, which will be presented through District Collectors/Magistrates,” the SKM said.
A total of eight people, including four farmers, were killed in the violence on October 3 in Lakhimpur Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh. Theni’s son Ashish Mishra and 12 others have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Local farmers blamed Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Kumar Mishra ‘Theni’ and his son for the violence. A vehicle that was part of the minister’s convoy allegedly ran over him at Lakhimpur Kheri in north-central Uttar Pradesh.
Videos are also being circulated on social media where a Mahindra Thar was seen thrashing the protesters from behind.
However, Ajay Mishra Teni had denied the allegations saying that his son was not present at the spot. Ashish repeated the same and denied the allegations. Later, many people including Ashish Mishra were arrested in the case.
The SKM also alleged that the Center did not allow NRI Darshan Singh Dhaliwal, who was an ardent supporter of the farmers’ movement, to enter India after his arrival from Chicago.
“They were deported without permission to enter the country. The undemocratic and authoritarian behavior of the Indian government is unacceptable and we strongly condemn it,” the SKM said.
(with inputs from ANI)
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