Here is the summary of Lakhimpur Kheri violence, and the incidents that have taken place so far
Things have been boiling in Lakhimpur Kheri, Lucknow for almost a week now. Farmers’ protests in Lakhimpur Kheri have turned violent. Four farmers were among eight persons who were killed during the protests. But, as every coin has two sides, this incident also has two versions.
Here is the summary of Lakhimpur Kheri violence, and the incidents that have taken place so far.
First version:
The reason for the massive outrage was a convoy of three SUVs that ran into the protesters. As reports suggested, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Mishra was the owner of the car. Farmers alleged that the minister’s son, Ashish Mishra mowed down the protesters.
Second version:
MoS for Home Affairs Ajay Mishra claimed that his son was not even present on the spot. He told PTI that stones were pelted at the BJP workers’ car, which overturned and hit two people. He also claimed that three BJP members and a driver were lynched by some elements in a farmers’ protest in Lakhimpur.
However, Uttar Pradesh Police had already registered an FIR against Ashish. Trouble started when farmers had gathered to protest the visit of deputy CM to Banbirpur Village of Lakhimpur. During the violence, angry farmers set fire the two SUVs while some passengers were allegedly beaten to death. UP police confirmed that four farmers and four passengers were killed at Lakhimpur.
BJP vs. Opposition war erupts
This incident has caused a massive furore in the state. Political temperature has also risen. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was detained as she headed to meet the families of those who were killed.
The Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav was also arrested after he sat on a dharna. Many more opposition leaders also headed to reach ground zero. Meanwhile, the administration is trying every possible way of hindering opposition leaders from reaching Lakhimpur.
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BJP had also accused opposition leaders of taking political advancement from the troubled situation in Lucknow. They are milking the incident to win UP in the upcoming election.
Priyanka Gandhi detained in Hargaon police station was taken to a guesthouse in the Sitapur district. Congress workers are now on a protest in Lucknow. Many including Akhilesh Yadav are demanding the resignation of UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath. The opposition described this incident as horrific, cruel, and inhumane.
Yogi Adityanath termed the Lakhimpur incident ‘unfortunate’. He said that the state government would go into depth, expose elements involved in the incident, and take action.
UP is heading for a poll season in the coming months. Moreover, this incident is sure to cause uproar. In addition, no party wants to let go of this opportunity.
Nevertheless, the horror did not stop here. Yogi Adityanath had announced an ex-gratia in the name of those who were killed in the violence.
Journalist killed in Lakhimpur Incident
A local Journalist Raman Kashyap, 35 also became the prey of Lakhimpur Incident, taking the death toll to nine. Kashyap’s body was found in the mortuary. As per the reports of Times Of India, he succumbed during treatment of his wounds gained after Lakhimpur violence.
Kashyap was reporting for a local channel on the protest site when the convoy trampled the farmers. While speaking to NDTV his family mentioned that Raman was missing since the incident had happened.
Meanwhile, the family of the deceased had refused to cremate the bodies. They are seeking for the post-mortem report. They are also demanding a fair investigation and immediate action against the culprits.
While speaking to Quint a farmer said, “The government is offering a compensation of Rs 45 lakh. But our question is, Why is BJP letting its ministers do such atrocities against farmers? The government should take stringent action against them.”
However, the real question is, will the culprits be punished for murder?
