In support of the Bharatiya Kisan Union-led farmers’ protest against the Centre’s farm laws in Ghazipur, a day after the protesters were asked to vacate the site, tens of thousands of farmers gathered in Muzaffarnagar town on Friday to attend a Mahapanchayat.

On Thursday, BKU leader Rakesh Tikait broke down at the protest site in Ghazipur, saying he will commit suicide but would not end his protest until the farm bills are repealed. This came after the local authorities asked the protesters to end their two-month protest and vacate the site by Thursday midnight, or they would be forcibly removed. 

In video | Protesting farmer lathicharged by Delhi police personnel at Singhu border

After Thursday’s tension, the GIC ground near Mahaveer Chowk was packed, and a sea of people congregated to back the protesters at UP Gate in Ghazipur that borders the national capital of Delhi, reports PTI. 

Farmers’ protest Day 65 Live: Kisan Mahapanchayat begins in Muzaffarnagar

As thousands supported the BKU’s protest, hundreds of tractors, with the tricolor and flags of farmer unions, were parked along the city roads leading to disrupted movement of traffic.

Muzaffarnagar became the meeting point of farmers from across the region, as the GIC ground, the centre stage, regional farmer leaders took the mike supporting the agitators at the UP Gate.

In Pics | Farmers hold ground at Ghazipur border despite eviction notice and police warning

The mahapanchayat was called by BKU national president Naresh Tikait over the developments in Ghazipur.

Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief Ajit Singh also announced support for the BKU as he, his son, and party leader Jayant Chaudhary participated in the mahapanchayat. 

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Naresh Tikait and Rakesh Tikait, sons of legendary farm leader Mahendra Singh Tikait, are leading the BKU protests for two months now. 

RLD President and former Union Minister Singh had talked to Naresh and Rakesh, party vice president said, tweeting, “It is a matter of life and death for farmers, but do not worry. All have to stay together, united in this — this is Chaudhary saahab’s (Ajit Singh’s) message.”