Hours after the special investigation team (SIT) filed its report into the Lakhimpur Kheri massacre on Tuesday; the Samyukt Kisan Morcha said it reaffirmed the stand of protesting farmers that the incident was pre-planned.
The SIT has made grave indictments against 13 accused in the case, including Ashish Mishra Teni, son of Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Mishra Teni.
On October 3, eight people, including four protesting farmers, had died when an SUV belonging to Ashish Mishra had mowed them down on the outskirts of Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh.
“The chief mastermind of the incident, Ajay Mishra Teni continues to roam free, and hold his position in the Union Government. In the light of the latest findings, SKM demands that the Modi government stop shielding this ‘conspirator of the Kisan massacre in Lakhimpur Kheri’,” the SKM said in a statement.
The farmers had then been protesting at Lakhimpur Kheri, just as at various places across India, demanding withdrawal of the three farm laws.
Reiterating its demand for dismissal and arrest of senior Mishra, the SKM said that it shall continue its struggle on this issue.
“Indian farmers shall not forget this massacre, till we secure justice for the victims,” it said.