R-Day violence: Farmers leader Rakesh Tikait refuses to surrender, goes on hunger strike

National spokesperson of the Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) Rakesh Tikait on Thursday 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 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.

"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," Rakesh Tikait said.

"Will kill myself if these laws are not rolled back," says an emotional Rakesh Tikait, refuses to end his protest. @Ankit_Tyagi01 and @KumarKunalmedia report live from Ghazipur



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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.

Addressing farmers at the Ghazipur Border, Rakesh Tikait said they won't surrender before the police and demanded a Supreme Court-appointed committee should investigate the January 26 violence in Delhi.

"There won't be any surrender. BJP wants to create a different scenario. Call details of those responsible for the Red Fort incident should come out in the public," Rakesh Tikait said, adding that if needed, more people will come from villages to join the protest.

"Deep Sidhu's connection should also come before the country. A Supreme Court-appointed committee should investigate the matter," Tikait said.