[Farmers Protest] Not Part Of Road Blocakde At Delhi-NCR; Parted Ways With Other Protesters : Kisan Mahapanchayat Tells Supreme Court

Farmers body 'Kisan Mahapancahyat' has filed an affidavit before the Supreme Court stating that it is not part of the protesters blocking highways at Delhi-NCR border.

It has also told the Supreme Court that it is not part of the group of protesters who have stopped or restrained police or security personnel.

"...the Petitioner Kisan Mahapanchyat, is neither the part of protestors, who have been stopped and restrained by the Police/ Security Personnel at any National Highway nor is the members of the Petitioner farmers body involved in any activity causing any permanent/temporary blockage on the movement on any road", the affidavit stated.

The affidavit is filed in the writ petition filed by the Kisan Mahapanchayat seeking permission to hold satya graha at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. On October 1, the Court had asked the petitioner to file an affidavit to this effect, after its counsel told the court that the petitioner is not associated with road blockades. The counsel made this submission after the bench made oral remarks criticizing the road blockade.

"You have strangulated the entire city, now you want to come inside?", a bench led by Justice AM Khanwilkar had orally asked the petitioner.

In the present affidavit, the "Kisan Mahapanchayat" has said that it has parted ways with other farmers organizations after difference of opinions regarding the subject matter and manner of protests. After the incidents during the republic day parade on January 26, the Kisan Mahapanchayat separated their way from the other organizations, the affidavit states.

"The Petitioner has approached the Delhi Police to stage peaceful Satyagrah after having difference of opinion regarding the subject matters, manner and mode of protests with other farmer's body and separated their way after the Incident of 26th January 2021. The Petitioners, in fact made a statement before the Hon'ble Court on 12.01.2021 expressing their willingness to appear before the Committee constituted by this Hon'ble Court, while other farm bodies refused to appear".

It has further stated that it wanted to appear before the committee constituted by the Supreme Court for holding talks over the contentious farm laws, although other farmers bodies refused to appear. 

The affidavit further informs that the Kisan Mahapanchayat has approached the High Court not only challenging the farm laws but also raising voice seeking implementation of the Minimum Support Price for agriculture produce.

A bench comprising Justices AM Khanwilkar and CT Ravikumar will consider the petition today.