Farmers Movement Archive

No fissures in Samyukt Kisan Morcha, claims Rakesh Tikait

Hisar, June 4Demanding release of two farm activists arrested by the Fatehabad police yesterday, Bhartiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait led a dharna at the Mayyar toll plaza, leading to blockage of the Delhi-Hisar highway.The two activists — Vikas Sisar and Ravi Azad — were among 28 persons who were arrested by the police when they had gone to gherao the residence of Tohana MLA Devender Singh Babli on Wednesday.Tikait, who stayed overnight at the toll plaza, held meetings in some villages of Hisar district today. After the blockade at the toll plaza, the Hansi police diverted the traffic on the highway via alternative routes. Farmers are allowing ambulances to cross the toll plaza.Interacting with mediapersons, Tikait clarified that there were no differences among the leaders of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) on any issue. “Sometimes, statements may vary depending on the circumstances. The SKM is united and its statements are authentic and collectively agreed upon by all the leaders,” he said.The BKU leader maintained that the Haryana police were registering the criminal cases in Hisar, Jind, Fatehabd districts to create pressure on the people as the region were supporting the farmers’ movement.“There is no need to get scared due to the arrests. We understand the strategy of the government which wants to tire out the people and then unleash a crackdown to crush the agitation. There is no need to get demoralised due to the arrests,” he said, adding that the ongoing agitation was a struggle for freedom of farmers. He alleged that the government was trying to sabotage the movement.“We have tightened the noose around the ruling party. The panchayat body polls results in UP have created a scare among the ruling party which is mulling reshuffle in its UP leadership,” said Tikait, adding the Opposition had failed to take on the government over wrong decisions and policies.One more nabbedThe Fatehabad police on Friday arrested a farm leader from Fatehapuri village in the Tohana sub-division in connection with attack on the car of MLA Devender Singh Babli. Sources say the police carried out raids at Kanheri, Amani villages, besides Hindalwala in the morning. However, other activists could not be traced. After the police action, farmers protested outside Tohana police station. TNS

The Tribune

2021-06-05