People start arriving for antim ardas
LAKHIMPUR KHERI : People from other states have started arriving in UP’s Lakhimpur Kheri for the “antim ardas” of the farmers killed in violence there on October 3. No politician will be allowed to share the dais with farm leaders during the last prayers for the four farmers killed in the incident, said a Bhartiya Kisan Union leader. The programme will be held in Tikunia.
The collective “antim ardas” is expected to be attended by farmers from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Farmer leaders, including Rakesh Tikait, are expected to arrive there for the last prayers.
BKU-Tikait’s district president Amandeep Singh Sandhu said, “Preparations are under way for the antim ardas (final prayers) at a field, away from the spot where the violence took place in Tikunia village. Rashtriya Lok Dal national secretary Anil Dubey said his party leader Jayant Chaudhary is scheduled to go to Lakhimpur Kheri.
However, BKU-Tikait district vice-president Balkar Singh said, “No political leader will be allowed to share the stage where only Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) leaders will be present”.
The SKM is an umbrella organisation of farmer unions spearheading the protest against the Centre’s three contentious farm laws.
The venue of the function spans 15-acre land over a kilometre from the flashpoint in Tikunia. Agricultural fields were levelled to accommodate the stage, audience seating area, parking and create space for langar (community meal).
Security has been tightened in and around Tikunia. Apart from the Lakhimpur Kheri police, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), Rapid Action Force and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) personnel have been deployed. Senior police and administrative authorities have been deputed to supervise and coordinate the security arrangements.