Lathicharge row: Haryana CM throws his weight behind cops

As the farmers protesting over the three farm laws in Haryana's Karnal were lathicharged by the police invoking widespread condemnation, the Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Saturday said that obstructing government work is against democracy.

Karnal (Haryana):As the farmers protesting over the three farm laws in Haryana's Karnal were lathicharged by the police invoking widespread condemnation, the Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Saturday said that obstructing government work is against democracy. If the farmers wanted to protest, they should have done so peacefully. If they jam the national highway and pelt stones at the police, the police will also take steps to maintain law and order. He also said that he will look into the matter and take necessary action.

Earlier, around 10 people were injured as police allegedly lathicharged a group of farmers disrupting traffic movement on a highway while heading towards Karnal to protest against a BJP meeting.

Besides Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, state BJP president Om Prakash Dhankar and other senior leaders of the party were present at the meeting.

READ:Protesting farmers lathicharged by police in Haryana

The state police drew severe criticism for the action against the farmers, and several roads were blockaded at different places in protest.

Farmers protesting against the central farm laws have been opposing public functions of the BJP-LJP combine in Haryana. Several farmers had gathered at the Bastara toll plaza near Karnal, responding to a call given by the BKU.

Several farmers protested by showing black flags to BJP state president O P Dhankhar at Karnal toll plaza and they also vandalised the latter's vehicle using sticks.