Samyukta Kisan Morcha distances itself from violent elements / Farmer leaders accuse Punjabi actor Deep Sidhu of instigating protesters and leading them to the Red Fort
Statement issued by Samyukta Kisan Morcha
We thank farmers for the unprecedented participation in today's Farmers Republic Day Parade. We also condemn and regret the undesirable and unacceptable events that have taken place today and dissociate ourselves from those indulging in such acts.
Despite all our efforts, some organisations and individuals have violated the route and indulged in condemnable acts. Anti-social elements had infiltrated the otherwise peaceful movement. We have always held that peace is our biggest strength, and that any violation would hurt the movement.
The long struggle for more than 6 months now, and more than 60 days of protest at Delhi borders also seemed to have led to this situation. We dissociate ourselves from all such elements that have violated our discipline. We appeal strongly to everyone to stick to the route and norms of the Parade, and not indulge in any violent action or anything that taints national symbols and dignity. We appeal to everyone to desist from any such acts.
SKM has been trying to get a full picture of all the events with regard to the several Kisan Parades that were planned today and will share a fuller statement soon. Our information is that apart from some regrettable violations, the parades are underway peacefully as per plan.
Kisan leaders accuse actor Deep Sidhu of instigating protesters
Deep Sidhu instigated protesters part of the farmers'
tractor rally and led them to the Red Fort in Delhi, allege farmer leaders. In
his defence, actor Deep Sidhu said in a Facebook LIVE video, "We only
hoisted the Nishan Sahib at the Red Fort while exercising our democratic right
to protest, the Indian flag was not removed.".. Swaraj India chief Yogendra Yadav told India
Today that Deep Sidhu and gangster-turned politician Lakha Sidhana even
tried to instigate protesters at the Singhu border protest site the previous
night. "A probe should be launched into how Deep Sidhu reached the Red
Fort with a microphone," Yadav said…