New Delhi: The farmers’ umbrella union Samyukt Kisan Morcha on Sunday heralded the “Rail Roko’ protest to be held across the country today demanding the dismissal and arrest of Union Minister Ajay Mishra in connection with Lakhimpur Kheri violence. Releasing an official statement the union stated to intensify protests until justice is secured in the Lakhimpur Kheri incident. The statement further read, “He (Ajay Mishra) promoted hatred, enmity and communal disharmony between Hindus and Sikhs in his speeches. It is his vehicles that were used to mow down peaceful protesters. He harboured his son and accomplices even as the police was issuing summons to Ashish Mishra.”
The Rail Roko protest began at 10 am today and is scheduled to continue until 4 pm. The Lucknow Police has announced to take strict action against those participating in the protest today adding that the National Security Act will be invoked upon those trying to disrupt normalcy. 30 locations were affected and 8 trains in the Northern Railway Zone have been regulated due to ‘rail roko’. In Sonipat, Rapid Action Force is deployed in wake of the protest.
After the initial probe of the incident where eight people including four farmers died, allegations were hurled over the Union Ministers son for running an SUV over the peacefully protesting crowd on October 3rd in Lakhimpur Kheri. However, the Union Minister and his son refuted the allegations and denied the presence of his son on the accident site. Ashish Mishra was arrested a few days later and sent to jail custody for further probe into the matter following which few more accused were arrested.