“Tikait was one of the negotiators. The SKM deployed a team of nine leaders to hold the negotiation with the UP government. Some reached Lakhimpur Kheri, while others were stopped. Anoop Singh, Rakesh Kaunth and Ravinder Patiala were deployed by the SKM. We were getting updates after negotiations began at 1.30 am on Monday,” he said.The report in The Indian Express said, “Sources said these officers, along with others, roped in Tikait for mediation, ensured he reached Lakhimpur Kheri as soon as possible and arranged negotiations which began at around 1.30 am on Monday and ended around 2 pm, nearly 12 hours later.”Commenting on the report, Dr Darshanpal said, “Since Rakesh Tikait is from Uttar Pradesh and he has been playing an important role there, he is being discussed. Immediately after the violence, I had called up Dharmendra Malik and asked him to move with Tikait as soon as possible”.“Officers involved in the negotiation from the government side were quoted by the paper, but it is their version…We know who was negotiating on behalf of farmers. Gurmeet Mangar – a leader from Nighasan, who was leading the protest that day – was also part of the negotiations. The SKM gave its consent after he and the families of the deceased gave their consent to the terms of the agreement,” said Dr Darshanpal.
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