Khattar cancels kisan event after farmers vandalise venue

Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Sunday cancelled his 'kisan mahapanchayat' programme in Karnal after farmers opposing the Centre's three farm laws uprooted tents and damaged the stage at the venue.

Police resorted to mild lathi-charge and used teargas and water canons to stop hundreds of farmers from reaching a helipad in Kaimla village, where Khattar was scheduled to land.

Khattar later said with such behaviour, the protesters had "defamed farmers" and he believed "Congress party and Communists have a major role to play in such incidents."

Over 1,500 cops had been deployed as security for the meeting and seven checkpoints were set up ahead of the venue. Agitating farmers, however, managed to breach six checkpoints and arrive near the helipad, forcing authorities to move the landing spot for Khattar's helicopter to a different location. The farmers then moved to occupy the venue of Khattar's kisan mahapanchayat, where around 2,000 farmers, most of them BJP supporters, were waiting. The protesting farmers flung chairs, tore banners and vandalised other arrangements made for the meeting.

Speaking at a press conference later, Khattar said the incident had "sent a message" to people. "I have received many calls that it was not right. These people have defamed farmers. It cannot be the behaviour of farmers. Gurnam Singh Chadhuni's video from two days ago, where he incited people, is responsible for today's incident.

I believe that Congress party and Communists have a major role in such incidents. Through these agitations, if they think they can spread their wings, they are highly mistaken. I condemn today's incident. I am an elected representative, it is not right that we protest against anybody," the Chief Minister said.

Khattar said protesting against someone in this manner was different from expressing one's views. "We have a strong democratic setup in our country. We have never stopped anybody from expressing their views. Even during Covid-19, we have made adequate arrangements for their [protesters'] safety and security. But violation of Constitutional provisions is not right," he said.