The tug of war between the protesting farmers and the government has taken a toll of eight people mostly with their youth. In a very shocking incident eight people lost their lives in the violence that erupted during the farmers’ protest in Lakhimpur Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh on Sunday.
The avoidable tragedy at the same time has given much fodder to opposition parties to corner the union and UP state governments on this unfortunate incident. As per the reports, farmers had assembled to protest Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya’s visit to Banbirpur.
Banbirpur is the native village of Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Misra Teni, the MP from Lakhimpur Kheri. The incident took place in Tikunia village, which is connected to Banbirpur by a road that was occupied by protesting farmers.
The farmers’ protest in Lakhimpur Kheri on October 3 that turned violent seems to be a part of larger conspiracy to flare up the highly surcharged situation resulting in the death of at least 8 people. While farmers’ bodies have claimed that four farmers were run over by the convoy of Ashish Misra, son of Union MoS (Home) Ajay Misra, the minister has denied the allegations.
In an uncontrollable situation, the furious mob of farmers reportedly attacked the convoy and as per the allegation of local BJP camp, dragged the three BJP workers and a driver travelling in the vehicles and lynched them to death Four other deaths were reported from the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) camp. They were travelling in a car and were allegedly dragged out of the car and lynched by the protesters.
The tension has been going on for the last over a week after the union MoS home he hails from area, made some remarks that provoked the protesting farmers and they decided to gherao the Dy Chief Minister of UP on his way to a function.
On Sunday, the farmers had reached a college in Tikunia village and gheraoed a make-shift helipad. Keshav Prasad Maurya was to reach the venue by helicopter but he changed the plan after being informed about the farmers’ protest. He decided to travel by road.
When protesting farmers got the news of Maurya travelling by road, they blocked the Tikunia-Banbirpur road. It was at this protest site that the violence took place that left eight people dead.
Disturbing videos, though not verified, have surfaced on social media showing victims being attacked by agitators. Some of the videos circulating on social media showed protesters wearing t-shirts with sketches of pro-Khalistan leader JS Bhindranwale printed on them.
Some other videos showed vehicles being set on fire by protesters waving black flags. One video shows protesters attacking a vehicle with sticks. Two persons fell off the vehicle. They were beaten with sticks by the protesters. These videos, however, remain unverified.
Though the claims made by both sides remain unverified, each side is using these videos to set political narratives that suit them in the situation emerging from Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
The turns of this mishap events suggested that it was more a prestige issue than the protest campaign pursued by the farmers who have not been relenting over the three farms laws. In a democracy like India, what seems to be failing is the dispute resolution in a political manner. It is unfortunate!
