Farmers' Protest: Rakesh Tikait’s New Condition For Talks, Demands Release Of Those Arrested

Delhi Police have registered a total of 38 FIRs in connection with the incident besides issuing notices to over 13 farmer leaders and activists spearheading the agitation. Besides Tikait, those issued notices include renowned activist Medha Patkar and Swaraj India chief Yogendra Yadav.

Rakesh Tikait, Pic Courtesy: PTI

With the Delhi Police arresting around 84 people in connection with its probe into the violence witnessed during the Farmers’ Tractor Rally on January 26, Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait has said the farmers’ union is ready to hold talks with the Central Government but on the condition that those arrested should be released. 

Accepting that the violence during the rally was wrong and must be investigated, Tikait said: “Narendra Modi is our PM too, we have also voted for him. We are ready to talk to the Centre but on the condition that those who have been arrested be released.” 

“What happened on Republic Day is wrong and officials must probe the Red Fort incident and find out who helped protesters there,” he added.

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Delhi Police have registered a total of 38 FIRs in connection with the incident besides issuing notices to over 13 farmer leaders and activists spearheading the agitation.

Besides Tikait, those issued notices include renowned activist Medha Patkar and Swaraj India chief Yogendra Yadav. 

The farmer leaders have been booked under relevant IPC sections including charges of attempt to murder, punishment for rioting and assault to deter public servant from discharge of duty besides violating the terms and conditions set for the rally.

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Thousands of protesting farmers had clashed with the police personnel during the rally. Hundreds of farmers deviated from the route decided by the Delhi Police for their tractor rally and entered the majestic Red Fort. 

The farmers have so far held 11 rounds of talks with the ruling dispensation and demanding Prime Minister Modi-led regime to repeal the laws passed by the Parliament in September last year.