Lakhimpur Kheri: Priyanka Gandhi to pay last respects to farmers killed in violence

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi will visit Lakhimpur Kheri on Tuesday to participate in the 'antim ardaas' (final prayers) of the protesting farmers who were mowed down in the district on October 3.

Preparations for the final prayers are underway at a field, away from the spot where the violence took place in Tikonia village. A Bharatiya Kisan Union office-bearer had said that no politician will be allowed to share the stage with farm leaders during the last prayers.

Union Minister Ajay Mishra's son Ashish Mishra, arrested in connection with the case, was sent to three-day police custody by a local court on Monday. Ashish was arrested on Saturday night after being questioned for almost nine hours.

The Supreme Court had on Friday questioned the non-arrest of the accused. Without mincing words, a bench headed by Chief Justice N V Ramana had said the law must take its course against all accused and the government has to take all remedial steps in this regard to inspire confidence in the investigation of brutal murder of eight persons.

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), which is spearheading the agitation against the Centre's three farm laws, had alleged that the violence was perpetrated under a conspiracy and demanded the arrest of the minister and his son.

Priyanka and other Congress leaders observed a "maun vrat" on Monday to demand the sacking of Union Minister Mishra.

Priyanka had attempted to visit the deceased farmers' families in Lakhimpur Kheri the day after the violence, but she was denied permission by the Uttar Pradesh police. The Congress leader was detained at a guesthouse in Sitapur for nearly two days. After she was released, she joined Rahul Gandhi-led Congress delegation to meet the kin of farmers. The Congress leaders also met the family of journalist Raman Kashyap who was killed in the violence.