Wagah, November 17
A high-profile welcome was accorded to the relics of the champion of farmers, Sir Chhotu Ram, at the joint checkpost when Mr Shahzad Ali Khan from Lahore handed these over to Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala, Mr Parkash Singh Badal and MLAs from Haryana were present.

The personal belongings of Sir Chhotu Ram included two cane chairs, a sword, a door with frame, two windows and a durri which was knitted in jail in Rohtak and was presented to him. These items were kept in his haveli, presently owned by the son of the then Nawab of Malerkotla. The relics were escorted from Lahore by the Chairman of the National Minorities Commission, Mr Tarlochan Singh, and Mr Ajay Singh Chautala, MP.

Launching a tirade against the UPA government after receiving the relics, Mr Chautala, addressing the media, said the government had tried to sabotage his visit by refusing to grant him permission to bring the memorabilia.

Expressing his indebtedness to the family of the Nawab who had preserved these items, he said his government was committed to protecting the interests of the farmers and would announce more concessions to the agricultural segment on the occassion of the birth anniversary of Sir Chhotu Ram on November 24. He said a special museum had been set up at his native village Sampla where these items would be kept.

Mr Chautala invited the family of the Nawab on the occasion.