The Sanyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), an umbrella body of farmer unions protesting against the contentious three farm laws, on Wednesday suspended Haryana Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) chief Gurnam Singh Charuni for seven days over the statement on “Mission Punjab”.
Chaduni had recently called upon the farmers agitating against Centre’s three farm laws to launch ‘Mission Punjab’ ahead of assembly elections to form a “kisaan-majdoor sarkaar” in the border state.
“We are moving towards 'Mission Uttar Pradesh'. We should also launch 'Mission Punjab' and contest the Punjab assembly elections as it will "present a model on how the system can be changed,” Chaduni had said.
Chaduni's statement was earlier criticized by the SKM. Following his statement, the ruling BJP had intensified its attack on the ongoing agitation terming it as politically motivated protest.
After its meeting on Wednesday, the SKM announced that Chaduni has been suspended for seven days over the political statement and will not be allowed to attend any event or give statements related to the ongoing farmers's agitation.
The SKM also condemned the registration of sedition cases against farmers in connection with the incident on Sunday in which Haryana Deputy Speaker Ranbir Gangwa's car was attacked during a farmers' protest in Sirsa. The Morcha demanded withdrawal of the sedition charge and cases against the protesting farmers.
Haryana Police had registered a case against more than 100 protesters after Sunday's incident An FIR against 100-150 protesters under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including obstructing public servants in discharge of their duty, murderous attempt on an elected representative, damaging public property and Section 124 A (sedition) was registered by Sirsa Police.
The FIR mentions two farmer leaders by name.
Meanwhile, Haryana BKU chief Gurnam Singh Chaduni while reacting to his suspension said “Punjab Mission” was my personal point of view and I stand by my statement.
I accept the decision of SKM and will continue to stand by this farmers' agitation, he said.
He further claimed that there is no infighting in the SKM.
Notably, thousands of farmers have been camping at three border points of Delhi – Singhu, Tikri (along Haryana), and Ghazipur (alongUttar Pradesh) for over seven months, - demanding a repeal of the three farm laws enacted by the Centre in September last year.