Rakesh Tikait Urges Farmers to Comply with Kisan Panchayat Decisions in Uttar Pradesh

Rakesh Tikait, a leader of the BKU-Tikait, was detained at Tappal police station early on Wednesday. He was released later that evening. Tikait stated that farmers protesting across Uttar Pradesh would adhere to the decisions made by the kisan panchayat in Gautam Buddh Nagar. He mentioned that farmers detained at over 50 police stations were advised to hold local panchayats.

Farmers from various districts in Uttar Pradesh have been protesting against the state government. They demand compensation and other benefits for land acquired by the authorities. The protests began with a Delhi Chalo march on Monday, which was halted by police, leading to a sit-in at Dalit Prerna Sthal.

Farmers' Determination and Police Actions

The Gautam Buddh Nagar police arrested over a hundred protesters during the agitation on Tuesday. Women and elderly detainees were released later that day. Farmers gathered at the zero point on the Yamuna Expressway claimed their protest led to the release of all those arrested from their dharna site.

Tikait, detained with supporters while heading to Greater Noida for a meeting, expressed concerns about police actions. "How long will you detain us? If you keep us locked, then with whom will you talk?" he questioned. He warned that continued detentions could intensify the farmers' agitation.

Support and Future Plans

The BKU-Tikait held an emergency meeting in Muzaffarnagar under Naresh Tikait's leadership. They resolved to support farmers agitating in Noida and Greater Noida. Rakesh Tikait said farmer leaders might head to Lucknow with tractors as issues lie with the Uttar Pradesh government.

After his release, Tikait planned to contact panchayat leaders to discuss next steps. He advised ending protests temporarily while awaiting decisions from the ongoing Gautam Buddh Nagar kisan panchayat. The farmers are prepared for a prolonged struggle if necessary.

A large number of farmers from districts like Bulandshahr, Aligarh, Mathura, Hapur, Ghaziabad, Shamli, Baghpat, Muzaffarnagar, Saharanpur, Bijnor, and Meerut reached the panchayat venue. The BKU-Tikait had called its members from western Uttar Pradesh districts to gather in Greater Noida on Wednesday.

Farmer groups met at the zero point on Wednesday and decided to continue their protest until demands are met. A decision regarding shifting the protest site is expected on Thursday.