Tikait seeks respectable solution to end farm stir

Refuses to agree under pressure, seeks mid-way resolution

With more farmers streaming into the protest sites at Delhi’s borders, Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait said on Sunday that the farmers’ unions were ready for a “respectable solution”, but they would “never agree to anything under pressure”.

In Punjab, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has called an all-party meeting on Tuesday to show unity with the protesters and evolve a consensus on the way forward on the three contentious agricultural laws.

As the stream of farmers heading for Delhi’s borders remained incessant on the 67th day of the massive agitation, Mr Tikait said the Republic Day violence was “part of a conspiracy” and that the government should nab all those behind it. “The violence on January 26 was part of a conspiracy. The tricolour is over and above everything. We will never let anyone disrespect it. It will not be tolerated,” he said.

Mr Tikait, who is camping at the Ghazipur border and has now become the face of the agitation, urged the government to release all those farmers who were arrested in connection with the tractor rally.

“The government should release our men and prepare an environment conducive for the talks,” he said, adding: “We will honour and respect the dignity of the Prime Minister. Farmers don’t want that the government or Parliament to bow down before them… But we will also ensure that the selfrespect of farmers is protected. A middle way should be found. Talks should be held.”

After the mahapanchayat at Baraut in Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat district, two more mahapanchayats are being planned in UP’s Bijnor and Haryana’s Jind districts to mobilise the growing support for the protesting farmers. While the Bijnor mahapanchayat has been scheduled for Monday, the one at Jind will be held on Wednesday. Prominent western UP Gurjar leader Madan Bhaiyya has also extended his community’s support to the farmers.