Haryana CM Khattar cancels Kisan Mahapanchayat after farmers vandalise venue
The helipad where Khattar was due to land was damaged
The helipad where Khattar was due to land was damaged
The helipad where Khattar was due to land was damaged
The helipad where Khattar was due to land was damaged
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has cancelled his ‘Kisan Mahapanchayat’ visit to Kaimla village, Karnal, after farmers protesting against the three farm bills vandalised the venue. Protesters took over the stage, destroying equipment and even damaging the helipad where Khattar was due to arrive. Police dispersed the farmers using tear gas.
Hundreds of farmers swarmed the venue, and were met by a police lathi-charge, teargas, and water cannons. After capturing the stage, farmers said they were ready to face the police lathis.
According to Indian Express, the farmers managed to breach six checkpoints to arrive near the helipad where Khattar was due to land, forcing authorities to shift the landing spot to a different location.
Khattar’s visit was intended to communicate to farmers the “misconceptions” about the farm bills. It comes after the eighth round of talks between farmers and the Centre failed on Friday, prompting the Centre to await the Supreme Court’s next hearing on the issue, likely on January 11. The ninth round of talks will take place on January 15, after that.
Anticipating a drawn-out battle, farmers have announced protest plans as far as Republic Day, with the recently-held tractor rally merely a “teaser” for Republic Day. “We will participate in the parade on January 26. The tanks will be on one side and the tractors on the other,” Bhartiya Kisan Union spokesperson Rakesh Tikat was quoted as saying.
Earlire, the Congress on Saturday asked the Centre why it wants farmer groups opposed to the new agricultural reforms to move the Supreme Court and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi should quit if he is not competent enough to repeal them.
People have elected the government and not the Supreme Court, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said.
He also announced that the Congress will observe 'Kisan Adhikar Diwas' (Farmers' Rights Day) on January 15, when the government and the farmer unions will meet for the next round of talks, and hold 'Jan Andolans' at all state headquarters. The party will hold protest marches and gherao the governor's office in every state.
With inputs from PTI