Bhubaneshwar: Rally against farmers’ killing in Uttar Pradesh

BHUBANESWAR: Farmer outfits under the aegis of Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), a united front of farmer outfits, staged a demonstration here on Monday protesting against the killing of farmers in Uttar Pradesh. They also demanded the withdrawal of farm laws.
Cars that were part of Union minister of state for home Ajay Mishra Tenis convoy allegedly mowed down four farmers during a black flag protest at Tikunia in UPs Lakhimpur Kheri on Sunday afternoon. Farmers alleged that the ministers son was leading the convoy.
The farmer leaders came out in a procession starting from Master Canteen square to Lower PMG here demanding stringent action against persons involved in the killing of farmers in UP.
SKM member Suresh Panigrahy said the case should be probed by a Supreme Court-monitored special investigation team (SIT). The persons involved in the killing need to be booked under Section 302 of the IPC. The Union minister of state for home Ajay Mishra Teni should resign and adequate compensation should be given to the next of kin of the deceased farmers, he added.
Khirod Singhdeo, another SKM member, said exemplary punishment should be given to people involved in the alleged killing of farmers. The movement is growing beyond the expectation of the Centre.
Had the government agreed to the demands of farmers, such a situation would not have been arisen. Hence, the Centre is responsible for this incident, he added.
Activist Prafulla Samantara said it is a direct war against farmers. “The government wants to suppress the voices of farmers through violence. But this incident will boomerang for the ruling party leaders. We will intensify the movement in the days to come,” he added.