Summary:
Karnal: Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar Sunday cancelled his ‘kisan mahapanchayat’ programme in Karnal after farmers opposing the Centre’s three farm laws uprooted tents and damaged the stage at the venue.
Police resorted to mild lathi-charge and used teargas and water canons to stop hundreds of farmers from reaching a helipad in Kaimla village, where Khattar was scheduled to land.
.
Karnal: Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar Sunday cancelled his ‘kisan mahapanchayat’ programme in Karnal after farmers opposing the Centre’s three farm laws uprooted tents and damaged the stage at the venue.
Police resorted to mild lathi-charge and used teargas and water canons to stop hundreds of farmers from reaching a helipad in Kaimla village, where Khattar was scheduled to land.
Khattar later said with such behaviour, the protesters had “defamed farmers” and he believed “Congress party and Communists have a major role to play in such incidents.” He also said the Centre was not likely to repeal the farm laws.
“Discussion can be held on certain points, but I do not think government is going to withdraw these laws,” he said.
Over 1,500 cops had been deployed as security for the meeting and seven checkpoints were set up ahead of the venue.
Agitating farmers, however, managed to breach six checkpoints and arrive near the helipad, forcing authorities to move the landing spot for Khattar’s helicopter to a different location.
The farmers then moved to occupy the venue of Khattar’s kisan mahapanchayat, where around 2,000 farmers, most of them BJP supporters, were waiting.
The protesting farmers flung chairs, tore banners and vandalised other arrangements made for the meeting. Speaking at a press conference later, Khattar said the incident had “sent a message” to people.