A deadly clash between a group of protesting farmers and the people of Union MoS for Home Affairs, Ajay Misra’s son – Ashish Misra left eight dead in Lakhimpur Kheri on Sunday.
The eight people who lost their lives included four farmers and three BJP workers during the farmers were protesting ahead of the visit of UP Deputy CM, Keshav Prasad Maurya to Tikunia – his ancestral village. The incident took place after the farmers protesting against the state government were allegedly attacked.
Some unidentified persons supposedly opened fire at the protesting farmers and some of them were even run over by a vehicle. Followed by this, two SUVs were set on fire by the retaliating farmers.
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has claimed that one of the farmers on site was shot dead by Ashish Misra and they have demanded imposition of murder charges against him. They have also demanded the dismissal of Ajay Misra from the Union Cabinet.
However, the minister refuted the allegations and claimed that his son was not present on the site – for which he has a piece of supporting video evidence. He and his son have claimed that protestors attacked the convoy and killed a driver and three BJP workers.
According to ANI, Ajay Misra said, “My son wasn’t present at the spot. Some miscreants attacked workers with sticks and swords. If my son would’ve been there, he wouldn’t have come out alive. They’ve killed people and set cars on fire. We have video evidence.”
“During Lakhimpur Kheri visit, our workers came to receive us amid farmers’ protest. Some miscreants from agitating farmers started stone pelting the car and injured our driver. Due to this, our car got imbalanced and two people died coming under it. After this, our three workers were killed and cars were set on fire,” added Misra.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation for the BJP, with opposition parties holding them responsible for the incident. Some parties, including Congress, also demanded immediate dismissal of Ajay Misra and the resignation of UP CM Yogi Adityanath.
Congress leader, Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter and said that “Those who remain silent even after the incident in Lakhimpur Kheri are already dead but we won’t let the sacrifices of farmers go in vain…”
Samajwadi Party leader, Akhilesh Yadav condemning the incident, tweeted that “Had a little conversation with the farmer leader Shri Tejinder Singh Virk Ji, who was seriously injured in the incident of being trampled by BJP workers at Lakhimpur Kheri. In view of his critical condition, the government should immediately provide him with the best treatment. Just one demand – Chief Minister should resign.”
Congress General Secretary, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra along with party leader Deepinder Singh Hooda, reached Lucknow, early on Monday. Later, Congress’ social media handle tweeted that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was been arrested and taken from Hargaon to Sitapur Police Line.
The four deceased farmers have been identified as Sukhwinder Singh (20), Satnam Singh (20), Hari Singh (35) and Subba Singh (65), according to District Magistrate. Following the incident, Internets services were shut and all the borders of Lucknow, on the roads leading to Lakhimpur Kheri were sealed. Also, paramilitary personnel has been deployed and alerts are raised in all the districts.
