Haryana CM’s Kisan Mahapanchayat called off after farmers vandalise venue

New Delhi: Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar’s Kisan Mahapanchayat was called off on Sunday as agitating farmers vandalised the venue at Kaimla village in Karnal district.

Protesting farmers also damaged the helipad where Khattar was scheduled to land. Haryana Police used tear gas shells and water cannon to disperse the protesting farmers.

Farmers have been protesting at different borders of the national capital since November 26 against the three newly enacted farm laws: Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020, and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.

Karnal: Protesting farmers gather in Kaimla village where Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar will hold Kisan Mahapanchayat shortly.

Police use teargas to disperse protestors. pic.twitter.com/SxV5ivKKs9

— ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2021

According to reports, protesters damaged the stage and broke chairs, tables and flower pots at the venue. The farmers also took control over a makeshift helipad where the Chief Minister’s helicopter was to land.

BJP leader Raman Mallik said that the programme was cancelled due to an unruly act by farmers at the behest of Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Gurnam Singh Charuni.

Earlier, Haryana Police had used water cannons and lobbed teargas shells to prevent farmers from marching towards Kaimla village.

Under the banner of Bharatiya Kisan Union (Charuni), farmers, who have been demanding that the laws be repealed, had earlier announced to oppose the ‘Kisan Mahapanchayat’.

As per a PTI report, farmers were carrying black flags and shouting slogans against the BJP-led government as they marched towards the village.