Farmers assured peaceful protest, but stones hurled at cops: Khattar

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has defended the police action against protesting farmers in Karnal, saying assurances of a peaceful protest were given, but stones were hurled at cops and a highway was blocked.

Talking to reporters in Karnal on Saturday evening after the meeting, Khattar said the protesting farmers had earlier assured the government their protests will be peaceful. “If they had to protest, they should have done so in a peaceful manner, no one would have any objection to that. They had earlier assured they will hold peaceful protests. But if they hurl stones at police, block highway, then police will take steps to maintain law and order,” said Khattar.

Referring to the BJP meeting in Karnal, Khattar said it was a state-level meeting of the party and “I condemn the call which they (farmers’ outfits) had given to oppose it.”

“Obstructing the function of any organisation, on account of any reason, in itself is anti-democratic,” he added.

Chautala promises action

Deputy CM Dushyant Chautala on Sunday disapproved of the remarks of a duty magistrate who asked police to “break” farmers’ heads during their protest in Karnal and promised action against him.

He said, “The 2018-batch IAS officer’s video has gone viral. Using such a language by an IAS officer is condemnable.”

“During their training, officers are taught how to face such situations and how to maintain balance in their actions. But what he said clearly does not meet the ethical standards which are expected from such officers,” said Chautala, censuring the officer’s remark.

“Definitely, whatever action is deemed fit, the government will take it,” he said.