New Delhi, Oct 10 (UNI) A day after Ashish Mishra was arrested by the Uttar Pradesh police, Samyukt Kisan Morcha on Sunday said arrest is on grounds of non-cooperation with the police, and he was summoned in the case as an eyewitness and not as an accused.
The SKM in a statement issued on Sunday evening said the developments did not instill confidence in the probe and action.
"The UP Government's SIT arresting Ashish Mishra on grounds of non-cooperation with investigation into the Lakhimpur Kheri Farmers Massacre, and for evasive replies. Starting from the fact that the summons were under Sec. 160 CrPC which is meant for witnesses, to the fact that Ashish Mishra is not being pinned down for the cold-blooded murder of several innocent and peacefully-protesting farmers, the developments do not instill confidence in the SIT probe, processes and arrest undertaken," the SKM said.
The SKM also said there is no information of any other arrests having been made though other names have surfaced of accomplices of Ashish Mishra.
"SKM reiterates once again that all evidence has to be protected, and that the investigation and legal action reporting to the Supreme Court directly is the only credible course of justice now," the statement said.
It also said that Ajay Mishra continuing as a Minister in the Modi Government, that too for Home Affairs, is completely untenable and inconceivable.
"SKM reiterates strongly its demand for Ajay Mishra Teni's arrest and sacking from the Modi Government, and issues an ultimatum once again that this has to be done by 11th of October (tomorrow), failing which it will take up the announced program for ensuring that the demands are met," the statement said.
A "Chetavani Rally" in Barnala, Punjab, organised by BKU Ekta Siddhupur on Sunday meanwhile saw participation of several SKM leaders and saw a massive turnout of farmers.
The demands of the rally were repeal of the 3 anti-farmer central laws, enactment of a statute for guaranteeing remunerative MSP for all agricultural produce and all farmers, loan waiver for Punjab farmers and completion of all election promises made to Punjab farmers before 2017 elections. The rally also reiterated an ultimatum to the Modi Government on sacking Ajay Mishra Teni.
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