'Emotional' Rakesh Tikait at Ghazipur Border: Will kill self, but not end protest

Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait breaks down at the Ghazipur Border protest site, alleging that the administration was trying to crush the farmers' agitation against the 3 farm laws. He also refused to surrender before the police and said a Supreme Court-appointed committee should probe the violence that broke out on Republic Day in Delhi during the tractor march.

He said, "We want to court arrest peacefully. But it seems there is a plan to stir violence while protesters return. If there is any such plan, I will remain here. I will face the bullet." "Will kill myself if these laws are not rolled back," added an emotional Rakesh Tikait.

He also started fast at the protest site and said he would drink only water from his village. His statement came even as the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government issued an ultimatum to the protesting farmers to vacate the Ghazipur border protest site. He added that all BJP MLAs should also be removed from the protest sites, failing which he and other farmers will not court arrest.

"The responsibility lies with the police if any violence takes place. I will hang myself if something happens," Rakesh Tikait said.

Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh government has ordered all DMs and SSPs to ensure the end of all the farmers' agitations in the state. Rakesh Tikait is among the 37 farmers' leaders who have been named in FIRs related to the Republic Day violence in Delhi. These leaders have been charged with sections pertaining to attempt to murder, rioting, criminal conspiracy, among others.

As per news agency ANI, the FIR against Rakesh Tikait mentions multiple IPC sections, including sec 307 (attempt to murder), 147 (punishment for rioting) and 353 (assault/criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty).