Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait, a prominent figure in the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), was taken into police custody on Wednesday morning in Aligarh. He was released later that evening from Tappal police station, along with more than a dozen supporters.
Upon his release, Tikait addressed the media, emphasizing that farmers across Uttar Pradesh would abide by the decisions made in the ongoing Kisan Panchayat in Gautam Buddha Nagar. He also confirmed that detained farmers at over 50 police stations had been instructed to hold local panchayats to discuss further actions.
Tractor March to Lucknow
Tikait revealed that farmer leaders were contemplating a tractor march to Lucknow to press their demands. He stressed that the grievances faced by the farmers were directly related to the Uttar Pradesh government and that any resolution should come from the state authorities. He indicated that the farmers were preparing for a prolonged struggle if necessary. Tikait also conveyed his intention to urge farmers to temporarily halt the protests until the Kisan Panchayat in Gautam Buddha Nagar reached a definitive decision.
Clarification on Custody vs. Arrest
A police spokesperson clarified that Tikait had not been arrested but was detained while traveling to Greater Noida for a farmer leaders' meeting. Tikait and his companions were intercepted on the Yamuna Expressway, transported by bus, and held at Tappal police station. The Aligarh Police confirmed that this was a precautionary measure and not a formal arrest.
Farmers Allegedly Placed Under House Arrest
Tikait accused the police of attempting to suppress the farmers' movement by confining them to their homes. He questioned the authorities' strategy, asking, "How long will you keep us in custody? If you keep us locked up, whom will you talk to?" He warned that if the government's restrictive measures continued, the farmers' agitation would intensify.
Support from the BKU and Western UP Farmers
On Tuesday, BKU chief Naresh Tikait convened an emergency meeting at Kisan Bhawan in Sisauli village, Muzaffarnagar, expressing solidarity with the protesting farmers in Noida and Greater Noida. Anuj Singh, president of BKU's youth wing, confirmed that the union had called on its members from western Uttar Pradesh districts to gather in Greater Noida on Wednesday, demonstrating strong support for the movement.
Awaiting Panchayat Decisions
Following his release, Tikait reiterated his commitment to respecting the outcomes of the Kisan Panchayat. He urged farmers to remain patient, signaling a temporary pause in the protests until the panchayat finalized its strategy. The ongoing situation highlights the growing tension between the farmers and the state government, with the possibility of escalated action if their demands remain unmet.
PRAKASH KUMAR PANDEY
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