Days after encouraging violence against protesting farmers, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar took back his controversial statement amid protests in the state.

He further said that he had given this statement in the context of self-protection and does not want the law and order situation in the state to deteriorate.

Addressing the state unit of BJP’s Kisan Morcha, Khattar had said that 1,000 people with sticks should form volunteer groups at different places of the state and “treat” farmers who have been holding protests against the three farm laws passed by the Union government.

“Do not worry…when you remain there in jail for a month, three months or six months, you will become big leaders, your names will be etched in history,” he said.

He had also said that if a protest has to be suppressed, it can be done through one government order, but those protesting are “our own people and not enemies”.

These statements invited sharp reactions from Congress and other parties.

“This call to spread anarchy at an open programme after taking the oath of the Constitution is treason. Seems you also have the nod of Modi-Naddaji in this,” said Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala in a tweet.

He further said that if the chief minister of the state talks about spreading violence, breaking the society and destroying law and order, then the rule of law and the Constitution cannot run in the state.

Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) leader Abhay Singh Chautala alleged that by speaking the “language of violence”, Khattar wanted to spread anarchy in the state.

He also called for the registration of a sedition case against the CM.

The SKM also condemned his remarks calling them “completely unacceptable and objectionable development.”

“While the farmers’ movement has explicitly made peace and non-violence its values, it is clear that the government is acting with a murderous intent on its own citizens,” it added.