BIJNOR: The district administration on Tuesday assured the farmers that they were committed to their welfare and promised to withdraw cases registered against them. Brajesh Singh , SDM Bijnorexpressed regret over the lathicharge incident on February 4 and assured the farmers that dues worth Rs 43 crores would be cleared soon. He also showed them the cheques that were released by the mills.The farmers were pacified after receiving assurances from the administration. However, around 22 farmer organisations came together for the mahapanchayat to raise the grievances of peasants and it was decided to hold another meeting on February 28 at Meerut to churn out a strategy to protect their interests in the long run.On Tuesday, security was tightened at Rasheedpur Ghadi village, the location for the mahapanchayat, and despite efforts by the administration to thwart the meeting, thousands participated. The leaders launched a scathing attack on the government for "not only ignoring farmer's welfare but even using force against those demanding their rightful dues."Former minister in SP government Swami Omvesh and several leaders of Congress and RLD also spoke against the BJP govt for neglecting farmer interest in the state. On February 4, hundreds of farmers gathered at the district administration’s office and tried to self immolate themselves on account of delay in payment of dues.“Administration had wielded batons and applied water canons on the farmers which shows anti farmers thinking of the administration and BJP led govt. Farmers will give a bitter reply to the BJP in upcoming polls,” Swami Omvesh said.Senior officials including SDM-Brajesh Singh and deputy superintendent of police Mahesh Kumar rushed to the venue of the mahapanchayat and diffused the situation.“That was not our intention to hurt the feelings of the farmers. Action was taken to save the agriculturists who were attempting to mass immolation. It was necessary to stop any untoward incident that time,” Singh said.The police have also assured the farmers that all cases against them would be withdrawn.Talking to TOI, national president of Azad Kisan Union, Rajendra Singh , said, “Around 22 farmer outfits have joined hand to provide a strong platform to raise the farmer’s grievances. A meeting is slated for Feb 28 at Meerut where we churn out the strategy for further agitation. The administration and police have regretted their decision to lathicharge farmers.”

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