The ‘antim ardas’ (last prayers) of the farmers killed in Lakhimpur Kheri violence on October 3 will be held today. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi is scheduled to attend the event, but Bharatiya Kisan Union has said that no politician will be allowed to share the dais with farmer leaders during the last prayers. The collective “antim ardas” is expected to be attended by farmers from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand and farmer leaders, including Rakesh Tikait, are expected.
The four farmers were allegedly knocked down by a vehicle carrying BJP workers. Infuriated farmers then allegedly lynched some people. The other dead included two BJP workers and their driver. A local journalist had also died in the violence. Farmers claimed that Union Minister Ajay Mishra’s son Ashish Mishra was in one of the vehicles, an allegation denied by him and his father. The SKM had demanded the arrest of the father-son duo. Ashish Mishra was arrested after 12 hours of questioning late on Saturday night.
Highlights
The BJP launched a scathing attack Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday over their silence on atrocities against Dalits in Congress-ruled states. Citing alleged incidents of atrocities against members of the Scheduled Caste (SC) communities in Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Jharkhand, the BJP said those who project themselves as champions of Dalit rights are ignoring such incidents.
The Uttar Pradesh Police took MoS Home Ajay Mishra's son Ashish to the Crime Branch office on Tuesday for interrogation in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence case, a day after a court sent him to three-day police custody, an official said. Chief judicial magistrate Chintaram on Monday had granted three-day police remand, with the condition that Ashish Mishra would not be harassed and his lawyer would remain present during interrogation.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra reaches Lakhimpur Kheri to pay last respects to farmers killed in October 3 violence.
Congress delegation, led by Rahul Gandhi, to meet President Ram Nath Kovind tomorrow over Lakhimpur Kheri violence. Congress had sought an appointment from the President's office which has been granted.
Police misbehaved with state president Akhilesh at Sitapur toll. The misbehavior towards Congress workers will cost the government heavily: UP Congress
The Lakhimpur Kheri police have arrested Shekhar Bharti, the driver of Ankit Das, whose vehicle was in the convoy that mowed down nine persons, including four farmers on October 3. Police sources said that Shekhar Bharti, who was arrested on Tuesday morning, is presently being interrogated. (IANS)
Lakhimpur Kheri Violence: BJP backs Ajay Mishra amid Oppn's resignation demand, PM Modi to take final call after completion of police probe
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), which is leading the protest against three Central agrarian laws since last year, announced on Monday that a ‘Shaheed Kisan Diwas’ (Martyred Farmers’ Day) would be observed on Tuesday — to honour the four farmers killed in Lakhimpur Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh on October 3.
Uttar Pradesh Congress spokesperson Ashok Singh told PTI, "Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will go to Lakhimpur Kheri to attend the 'antim ardaas'. She will be accompanied by UP Congress chief Ajay Kumar Lallu. Other senior party leaders who are likely to go along with Priyanka ji are Dheeraj Gurjar, Rohit Chaudhary, Pramod Tiwari, Aradhna Misra and Deepak Singh."