Lakhimpur Kheri SIT investigation vindicates our stand: SKM
Darpan News Desk IANS, 14 Dec, 2021 11:19 AM
New Delhi, Dec 14 (IANS) Taking cognizance of the SIT's latest report into the Lakhimpur Kheri massacre on Tuesday, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha said it reaffirmed the stand of protesting farmers that the incident was pre-planned.
The SIT has made grave indictments against 13 accused in the case, including Ashish Mishra Teni, son of Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Mishra Teni. On October 3, eight people, including four protesting farmers, had died when a SUV belonging to Ashish Mishra had mowed them down on the outskirts of Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh. One local journalist had died in the ensuing violence.
"The chief mastermind of the incident, Ajay Mishra Teni continues to roam free, and hold his position in the Union Government. In the light of the latest findings, SKM demands that the Modi government stop shielding this 'conspirator of the Kisan massacre in Lakhimpur Kheri'," a statement from the SKM said.
The farmers had then been protesting at Lakhimpur Kheri, just as at various places across India, demanding withdrawal of the three farm laws.
Reiterating its demand for dismissal and arrest of senior Mishra, the SKM said that it shall continue its struggle on this issue. "Indian farmers shall not forget this massacre, till we secure justice for the victims."
In its submission to the magistrate, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has affirmed that: "So far, it has been proved from the analysis and collected evidence that the accused did not commit the criminal act out of negligence and disregard, but intentionally, with the motive of killing the farmers according to a pre-planned strategy, due to which five people have died."
In a statement, Randhawa, who also holds the Home portfolio, said "this illogical decision was absolutely against the spirit of the raising the border guarding forces, which were required to focus on the international border and act as the first line of defence".
The world's largest vaccination drive against Covid-19 is being conducted in India, "and it will be a special occasion to celebrate when we complete administering 100 crore doses of vaccines", said the source.
Bhartiya Kisan Union Tikait district vice president Balkar Singh had already made it clear that, "No political leader will be allowed to share the stage where only Sanyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) leaders will be present."
The incident took place on Tuesday during a demonstration by the BJP in front of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader's official residence over the Delhi Disaster Management Authority's (DDMA) order restricting celebration of Chhath Puja in the national capital.
The minister and his son are accused in the October 3 incident in which nine persons, including four farmers, were mowed down by SUVs. The minister's son Ashish Mishra has already been arrested.
It's likely that Sidhu will put forth the list of demands in the Punjab government as he is upset with the appointments in the government. He has resigned from the post of state president, but it has not been accepted yet by Sonia Gandhi. The meeting gains significance as it comes ahead of the CWC meeting.
