New Delhi: A group of farmers who waved black flags to Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's convoy have been booked for attempted murder and rioting. A case has been registered against 13 farmers. The FIR was framed under nine sections, including rioting and attempted murder, for obstructing the work of the Chief Minister's convoy. The farmers alleged that fake cases were being filed to stifle their voices.
A large number of farmers had gathered in the area ahead of Khattar's public meeting in Ambala on Tuesday. Farmers' organizations had protested against the three agricultural laws of the Central Government. On Tuesday, several people, including leaders of farmers' organizations, gathered at Anaj Mandi in Ambala. Earlier, it was learned that there would be an attempt to attack the Chief Minister and other dignitaries. Police on duty then instructed the farmers through a loudspeaker that they could protest peacefully against the rules. But they were moving from Anand Mandi to Agrasen Chowk with a black flag. At 12.30 pm, the CM's escort vehicle reached Agrasen Chowk and the farmers blocked their way. They threatened and also caused damage to the pilot vehicle. Police later cleared the way for the convoy and tried to return the members in the convoy. The rioters then blocked vehicles and attacked police, according to the police charge sheet.
Indian Kisan Union Ambala district president Malkit Singh has criticized the filing of a charge sheet against the farmers. The farmers went to protest, not to kill anyone. When cases are brought against farmers in any way, nothing less than an assassination attempt is charged. He also said that even if a vehicle is stopped on a road during a farmers' strike, a case of attempted murder will be registered. "The Center should not think that the protests of the farmers can be suppressed through such games. Sometimes farmers are compared to that of Congress workers. And sometimes with other opposition parties. We have set up a board that only political leaders who stand with the farmers will be allowed into our village. Those who take a stand against the farmers will not be allowed into the village," Malkit Singh added.