Conduct judicial inquiry into Lakhimpur Kheri violence: SAD

Ludhiana, October 4

SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal today said a high-level delegation of the party, led by Prem Singh Chandumajra, would visit Lakhimpur Kheri on a fact-finding mission into yesterday’s violence against protesting farmers. He also demanded a judicial probe into the attack on farmers.

Talking to mediapersons here, Sukhbir said the delegation had already left for UP and the party would hold an emergency meeting of its core committee on Tuesday to finalise its next course of action after going through the report of the delegation.

Don’t shield guilty

The UP Government should not try to protect the guilty. BJP leaders accused of violence should be arrested immediately. —Sukhbir Badal, SAD chief

The SAD chief urged the UP Government to take stern action against the culprits, including Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Mishra’s son.

Sukhbir also called for a free and fair judicial probe into the incident, saying “it seems inflammatory speeches were made by the minister the same day to incite people. Action should be taken on this issue separately”.

He also condemned the restrictions imposed by the administration at Lakhimpur Kheri. “Freedom of movement is a fundamental right of every citizen and the UP Government cannot restrict access to any part of the state,” he said.

Sukhbir asked PM Narendra Modi to repeal the three farm laws. “The PM should respect the sentiments of farmers,” he said. — TNS