"Khalistani elements infiltrated Farmers protest," AG contradicts Rajnath Singh statement
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Bhartiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait (C, white dress) talks to media after the Supreme Court decided to suspend implementation of farm laws until further notices
New Delhi: Contradicting the Union Minister Rajnath Singh's statement on allegations of anti-national elements getting involved in the ongoing farmers protest, the Attorney General has submitted before the court that Khalistani elements have infiltrated the agitation.
The top court was considering an intervention application of an association called the Consortium of Indian Farmers Association (CIFA), which alleged that Khalistanis have infiltrated the protests.
Senior Advocate PS Narasimha, the counsel for CIFA, said that banned organizations are involved in the protests.
At this, the Chief Justice of India SA Bobde, asked the AG if such allegations can be confirmed.
"Narasimha has made an allegation that there is a banned organization which is helping the protests. Will you confirm this?," CJI asked the AG.
"We have said that Khalistanis have infiltrated into the protests," the AG replied.
The CJI said that if there was an infiltration by a banned organization, Centre ought to file an affidavit by Wednesday.
"Yes. I will file the affidavit and place the IB records," AG replied.
It is pertinent to recall that, just two weeks ago, the Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had condemned "Khalistani" and "terrorist" jibes being made on the protesters in an exclusive interview with ANI.
Asked about "Naxals or "Khalistani" remarks made by the senior BJP leaders and union ministers, in the context of farmers protest, he said such allegations should not be made.
"These allegations should not be made by anyone against farmers. We express our deepest respect towards our farmers. Our heads bow in defence and respect towards our farmers. They are our 'annadatas'," the minister had said.
