Farmer Leader Rakesh Tikait, Himachal Farm Agent Argue Over Ongoing Protest

The arhtiya (commission agent) said that his work was affected because of the farmers blocking the road.

Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait got into a heated argument with a local arhtiya (commission agent) who objected to the blocking of a road by farmers protesting which has allegedly caused falling apple prices in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh. A video clip of the heated exchange has gone viral. Before the altercation could escalate, the situation was brought under control by police personnel present there. The arhtiya later told the media that his work was affected because of the farmers blocking the road. "If they want to hold an agitation, they may do so in any field," he added. Mr Tikait alleged that the man was drunk and that he had stones in his hands and threatened to damage their vehicles.