Farmers Had No Concrete Info That PM Modi's Convoy Was Going To Pass Through: SKM

PM Modi Security Breach: The SKM said farmers did not make any effort to move towards PM Narendra Modi's convoy when it was stuck on the flyover.

Farmers stage a protest in Punjab (PTI)

New Delhi: The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), a coalition of over 40 farmers' unions, claimed on Thursday that Punjab farmers had no "concrete information" that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's convoy would pass through the flyover where they were protesting.

It also said farmers did not make any effort to move towards PM Narendra Modi's convoy when it was stuck on the flyover due to the blockade.

"On receiving the news of PM Modi's proposed visit to Punjab on January 5, 10 farmer organisations affiliated to the Samyukta Kisan Morcha had announced a symbolic protest for the arrest of (Union Minister) Ajay Mishra Teni and other outstanding demands," the SKM said.

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"Some farmers were stopped by police from going to Ferozepur district HQ. They protested by sitting on road at many places. Of these, was that flyover too where PM's convoy came, stopped and went back. Farmers there had no concrete info that the PM's convoy was going to pass through," the outfit said.

The SKM further said that the allegation of threat to the life of the Prime Minister was "completely concocted".

"It is clear from video of the occasion that protesting farmers didn't even make any effort to go towards PM's convoy. Only a group with BJP flags raising 'Narendra Modi Zindabad' slogan had reached near that convoy. Therefore, threat to the life of PM seems completely concocted," the SKM said.

In a "major security lapse" on Wednesday, PM Modi's convoy was stranded on a flyover due to a blockade by protesters in Ferozepur. PM Modi had to return from poll-bound Punjab without attending any event, including a rally.

The incident has triggered a major political row just weeks ahead of Punjab election as the BJP alleged the ruling Congress in the state "tried to physically harm" the prime minister. 

Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi has alleged that Narendra Modi's "life threat gimmick" was aimed at "toppling a democratically elected government" in the state. The Congress has claimed that Modi cancelled his trip because of the thin crowd at the rally venue.

The Centre formed a three-member committee to enquire into "serious lapses" in security arrangements during PM Narendra Modi's visit. The Punjab government also set up a committee on Wednesday to enquire into the incident.