India

GoI using NIA to derail protests, says farm union leader after summon

Taali Bajao protest
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New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has summoned Baldev Singh Sirsa, president of the Lok Bhalai lnsaf Welfare Society (LBIWS)-one of the farmers’ unions participating in talks with the Government of India (GoI)- in connection with a case registered against a leader of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), India Today reported.

Baldev Singh Sirsa has been summoned for questioning on January 17. Quoting NIA sources, the report said that he has been called as a “witness” in a case related to “terror funding”.

The report added that NIA is probing cases against Khalistani outfits and funds sent by them to several NGOs in India. The agency has prepared a list of such NGOs and is probing the matter.

The report quoting sources from the probe agency said that Khalistani outfits like SFJ are providing funds to NGOs in India to instigate them to “spread terror”.

On Friday, LBIWS was represented by Puran Singh in the ninth round of talks with the Government of India.

In a report published by The Indian Express, Sirsa accused the GoI of trying to derail the farmers’ protest. “First, the Government tried to derail the farmer agitation through the Supreme Court, now it is using the NIA,” he was quoted as saying.

On Tuesday, Attorney General K K Venugopal had told the Supreme Court that the Government has “been informed there is a Khalistani infiltration” in the ongoing farmers’ protests on Delhi’s outskirts, the report said.

Reports suggest that Sirsa is among several persons, including activists, who have been issued summons “for the purpose of answering certain questions” relating to the case against Pannu under various sections of the IPC and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

“Many people who are associated with the farmers’ agitation have been sent these summons. It is to terrorise those working for farmers. But we are not going to be affected by this. We will not bend. The NIA is working day and night to scuttle the Kisan parade on January 26. The Government is bent on defaming the protest,” the report quoted Sirsa as having said.

 

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