BJP Kisan Morcha condemns Naresh Tikait’s statement; calls for public apology and boycott
Jammu, 29th April 2025: In a strongly worded press conference held at the BJP headquarters in Trikuta Nagar, Jammu, Sarbjot Singh Johal, President of BJP Kisan Morcha (J&K) and DDC member, condemned the recent remarks made by self-proclaimed farmer leader Naresh Tikait regarding the Government of India’s decision to cancel the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan.
Johal termed Tikait’s statement as “seditious” and “deeply hurtful” at a time when the nation is mourning the brutal killing of 26 Hindu pilgrims in Pahalgam by Pakistan-backed terrorists. “There is a nationwide outrage against Naresh Tikait’s rhetoric. His statement, at a time of national grief and unity, is nothing short of an insult to the martyrs and their families,” Johal said.
Highlighting the Centre’s firm response, Johal stated that under the decisive leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has ended political ties with Pakistan and begun the process of abrogating the Indus Water Treaty, 1960. He emphasized that this action sends a clear message that India will no longer tolerate terrorism under any circumstances.
Referring to Tikait’s statement that “Indian and Pakistani farmers are the same” and that “the treaty should not have been cancelled,” Johal questioned the misplaced sympathy. “We ask Naresh Tikait – should we continue to support a nation that continues to kill our innocent citizens? If he feels so much love for Pakistan, he is welcome to go there,” he added.
Johal also criticized Tikait’s comment that “terrorism has no religion.” He countered by saying, “If that’s the case, why are most terrorists caught affiliated with the same ideology? Go and ask the grieving families who lost their loved ones in the name of religion.”
Concluding the press conference, Johal demanded a public apology from Naresh Tikait and urged the farming community and society to socially boycott individuals who make anti-national statements. “Such people must be shown that there is zero tolerance for anti-India sentiments. Their hookah-paani must be stopped,” he said firmly.
The BJP Kisan Morcha reiterated its unwavering support to the government’s national security measures and stood united with the people in demanding justice for the Pahalgam martyrs.
