Rakesh Tikait Critiques Punjab Government Over Farmer Detentions, Threatens Nationwide Protests
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Synopsis
Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait condemned the Punjab government's actions regarding farmer detentions, urging immediate dialogue to resolve issues. He warned of potential nationwide protests if the situation is not addressed promptly.
Key Takeaways
- Rakesh Tikait criticizes Punjab government for detaining farmers.
- Detained leaders were returning from a meeting with Central officials.
- Protests could escalate nationwide if the situation is not resolved.
- Farmers have blocked National Highway 54 in response to detentions.
- Internet services suspended in affected districts as precaution.
New Delhi, March 20 (NationPress) Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait strongly criticized the Punjab government on Thursday for causing unnecessary problems by detaining farmers instead of addressing their legitimate demands.
This statement followed the detention of farmer leaders Sarwan Singh Pandher and Jagjit Singh Dallewal by Punjab Police while they were returning from a meeting with a Central delegation. Concurrently, police initiated the eviction of farmers who had been staging a sit-in protest for over a year at vital borders between Punjab and Haryana.
Tikait, in an interview with IANS, accused the Punjab government of mismanaging the situation.
"Rather than resolving issues through dialogue, the government is causing unnecessary complications. The detained farmers should be released without delay, and the Punjab government ought to engage with them regarding the roadblocks in the state," he remarked.
He also criticized the Central government for neglecting farmers' concerns.
"The central government seems to desire for Punjab and its farmers to remain in conflict. The Punjab CM must converse with the farmers and ensure effective coordination. The demands are directed at the Centre, yet Punjab must act swiftly," he cautioned.
Tikait further warned that if the government does not respond, the agitation could escalate nationwide. "The entire movement will migrate to Punjab. Should this persist, protests will arise across the country. Meetings are currently being held in Chhattisgarh and Odisha as part of this movement," he stated.
Following the detention of Pandher and Dallewal, farmers blocked National Highway 54 indefinitely, condemning the government's actions. Several protesters were later apprehended by the police.
Moreover, farmers striving to block the Bathinda route in Sri Muktsar Sahib were detained before they could initiate a demonstration.
As a precautionary measure, internet services have been suspended in Sangrur and Patiala districts. Security has also been intensified at the Khanauri and Shambhu borders following the police crackdown on protesters.
