Violence at Red Fort insult to nation: Capt

: Deploring the Republic Day violence in Delhi, especially at the Red Fort, Punjab chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Wednesday termed it an insult to the nation and said it had brought shame to the country and weakened farmers’ agitation.

He, however, made it clear that he continued to stand with the farmers as the farm laws were wrong and against India’s federal ethos.

Stressing that the Red Fort is a symbol of Independent India and thousands of countrymen had given their lives for freedom to see the national flag flying atop the fort, the CM said Mahatma Gandhi had fought the entire war of Independence through non-violence. “My head hangs in shame at what happened yesterday in the national capital,” he said.

“Whoever has done it (indulged in violence at Red Fort) has brought shame to the country and Delhi Police should investigate and take action,” he said, adding that the Centre should also probe into the involvement, if any, of any political party or nation, while making sure that no farm leaders are unnecessarily targeted or harassed by the police.

Even as he demanded action against the perpetrators, who he said were not farmers but misguided youth indulging in symbolism, the CM said such problems will continue to take place if the government fails to listen to the voice of the people.

A government for the people and by the people cannot ignore the will of the people, he said, adding that the performance of the Bjp-led NDA government at the Centre will not be acceptable in the next elections to the majority in a country where 70% of the population is of farmers.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) should realise that stability and secularism, encompassing all minorities, is the key to inclusive growth of the nation and playing the Hindutva card will not lead to progress, he remarked.

Categorically rejecting allegations of his government being in the know on the issue, he said the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was spreading false propaganda and the fact was that Punjab was not even initially included in the expert committee as the Centre knew the state will oppose their laws. Punjab had nothing to do with the policy decision taken by the central government, he said, pointing out that even when the state was eventually included in the committee after he personally wrote to the GOI, there was no discussion or consultation on the Farm Ordinances.

My head hangs in shame at what happened yesterday in the national capital. CAPT AMARINDER SINGH, Punjab chief minister