Satyapal Malik Remarks: Haryana's Khap Shows Support To Ex-Guv, To Hold Meeting In Delhi Today

The initial backing given to former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik for his statement on the Pulwama attack by a section of khap and farmer leaders is now gaining traction in Haryana.

The initial support given to former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik by a section of khap and farmer leaders for his statement on the Pulwama attack is now gaining traction in Haryana. Following several meetings at the local level in Haryana, the khap leaders have called a meeting in Delhi on Saturday (April 22). 

Om Prakash Dhankar, a Dhankar khap leader, stated that they have already made plans for 400 leaders and members of khap panchayats - social bodies primarily formed on the basis of 'gotras' and groups of nearby villages, Indian Express reported. 

According to Dhankar, khap leaders from other north Indian states are also expected to attend the Delhi meeting, which will be held at RK Puram.

"In the meeting, we will demand a Supreme Court-monitored inquiry into the issues raised by Satya Pal Malik regarding the Pulwama attack," Dhankar said. "In addition, the former governor's security should be beefed up to ensure his safety. We will send a memorandum to the President and Chief Justice of India following the meeting," he added.

Dharam Singh, general secretary of Meham Chaubisi Sarvkhap, stated that his khap will actively participate in the Delhi meeting, and a farmer leader from Jind Azad Singh Palwa stated that farmers will also attend, as per the report. 

Satyapal Malik claimed a few days ago that after the February 14, 2019, Pulwama attack, in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked him to remain silent on some alleged lapses he pointed out.

Balbir Singh Rajewal, a senior farmer leader from Punjab who formed a political outfit Sanyukt Samaj Morcha to contest the state's 2022 assembly elections, expressed solidarity with Malik on Sunday, tweeting: "Satya pal Malik bravely exposed Pulwama. Farmers are his protectors. He must carry-on. All Farmers organizations are with him."

Satyapal Malik had supported the farmers who had launched a year-long protest against three contentious central farm laws, which have now been repealed.