Leaders of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha, a conglomerate of hundreds of farmer unions leading protests against the three farm laws, on Wednesday announced their intention to strengthen the sit-in agitation outside the mini-secretariat in Karnal after another round of talks between the farmer leaders and the district administration failed to break the deadlock.
Bharatiya Kisan Union national spokesperson Rakesh Tikait, at a press conference, said the protest outside the mini-secretariat would continue till their demands were met and more farmers from Punjab and Uttar Pradesh would join soon. He said that along with the ongoing sit-in agitations around Delhi, the protest at Karnal would be another front against the government. He, however, added that the farmers were willing to talk to the administration for a peaceful resolution and would ensure that the visitors to the secretariat were not inconvenienced.
Jai Kisan Andolan leader Yogendra Yadav said there was not the slightest change in the “obstinate attitude” and “insensitivity” of the Haryana government, causing the talks to fail for the second day. He said farmers had been demanding registration of a case against IAS officer Ayush Sinhna on charges of murder and attempt to murder, but the government was unwilling. “Suspension of government employees pending inquiry is a routine in Haryana, but the government is not willing to even suspend this official. It shows that he was acting at the behest of the Chief Minister,” said Mr. Yadav.
Inderjit Singh, vice-president, All-India Kisan Sabha, Haryana, said the conduct of the IAS officer Ayush Sinha was “unpardonable” and “unacceptable”, according to service rules and the criminal law, and the unions were firm on seeking action against him. “It is an important and a crucial matter for us,” said Mr. Singh.
Nishant Kumar, Deputy Commissioner, Karnal, said the agitating farmers were adamant on action against the officials for the baton charge, but no action could be taken without a probe. He said the administration was exhibiting patience, restraint and prudence and wanted an amicable solution. Mr. Kumar said the offices at the mini-secretariat would continue to function without any hindrance.
