Jind: The indefinite protest by the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) against new crop procurement system was called off in Jind on Tuesday. BKU national spokesperson Rakesh Tikait addressed the farmers and announced the next phase of the protest, including a large mahapanchayat in Chandigarh.“Since morning, farmers were sitting under a banyan tree without tents or special arrangements, continuing their protest. At around 10:55 am, Tikait arrived with his convoy, sat among the farmers, and boosted their morale. He later held a closed-door strategy meeting for about half an hour with a 10-member committee formed at the protest site,” said a source. Addressing the gathering, Tikait said the time had come for farmers to strengthen their movement and march toward Chandigarh. He added that the official date of the mahapanchayat would be announced soon, while the tentative date is May 27. He instructed farmers to organise meetings across all districts before the march to Chandigarh to ensure wider participation. Tikait also made it clear that if the police attempt to stop farmers en route, they will set up camps and begin protests at the same spot.He accused the govt of lacking clarity in dialogue regarding farmers’ demands, and said that although time was sought to meet the chief minister, there was no clear communication about the schedule or venue. Several BKU leaders and farmers were present at the protest site.Chautala family should unite: TikaitCommenting on the recent controversy involving former deputy chief minister Dushyant Chautala, Tikait said the Chautala family should first unite. He remarked that if the family had remained united, no one would have dared to challenge them. He advised Dushyant Chautala to return to his village, discuss matters with his family, and then engage with farmers. Tikait also added that if Chautala resigned from the Deputy CM post during the farmers’ movement, the situation today might have been different. MSID: 130420725 413 |
