‘Thieves Aren’t In Pakistan, They’re Here’: Rakesh Tikait’s Controversial Claim Over Pahalgam Attack

Rakesh Tikait, the spokesperson for the Indian Farmers Union, said in Karnal that the entire country is in shock and grieving, and the government should take strong decisions in this matter.

After a controversy over a statement made by Naresh Tikait, the President of the Indian Farmers Union and a farmer leader, over India’s decision to dismiss the Indus Water Treaty, Rakesh Tikait has now issued a clarification on Monday, but his statement has sparked a further row.

Speaking about the Pahalgam terrorist attack, Rakesh Tikait, the spokesperson for the Indian Farmers Union, said in Karnal that the entire country is in shock and grieving, and the government should take strong decisions in this matter.

Rakesh Tikait said, "Who is benefiting from this incident? Who is playing the Hindu-Muslim card? The answer lies within them." He further added, "The thief who committed this act is not in Pakistan, but here." This video was shared on Facebook by his son, Charan Singh.

"No one is paying attention to the real issue. When there is a murder in a village, the police first arrest the person who stands to gain, such as someone who has land. The person behind this incident, where will you find them? The thief is among you, not in Pakistan," he also said.

Clarifying Naresh Tikait's statement, Rakesh Tikait said that the press was asking questions, but Naresh Tikait had no such intentions. "We are with the government," he added. 

He further said that Lahori salt and spices should be banned, and Pakistanis should be dealt with firmly. "The entire country is united," Rakesh Tikait emphasised. He also mentioned that while the internal issues related to agriculture and water will continue, on this matter, they stand with the central government.

Stopping Pakistan’s Water Is Wrong: Naresh Tikait

Farmer leader Naresh Tikait had said on Sunday that it is not right to blame the entire country of Pakistan for the terrorist attack. "Some people promote terrorism, but that doesn’t mean the entire population there is wrong." He also said that stopping Pakistan’s water is wrong. Whether the farmer is from India or Pakistan, both will suffer if the water is stopped.

“This is a wrong decision. The treaty should have continued. We are against this. We are farmers and every farmer needs water," news agency ANI quoted Naresh Tikait as saying.

Naresh Tikait’s remarks came after India decided the break the years-old treaty in response to Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. Currently, he has been facing criticism from several BJP and BJP leaders.