The ‘Delhi Chalo’ march, which was called by the farmers, is currently on hold as they mourn the loss of one of their own. However, the farmers are expected to decide their next course of action today, as they continue to push for the repeal of the controversial farm laws.

The Punjab government has expressed solidarity with the farmers and has promised to push for strict action against the police officer responsible for the farmer’s death. Meanwhile, the Haryana Police has threatened to invoke the National Security Act (NSA) against farmer leaders leading the protest.

In response, Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait has announced that the protesting farmers, led by the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), will observe a ‘Black Friday’ to protest the death of their fellow farmer. This development comes as Congress MP Manish Tewari demands a special session of Parliament to pass a law guaranteeing Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers.

The Haryana Police has also reversed its decision to invoke the NSA against farmer leaders, following backlash from the farming community and political leaders. However, the police maintain that they will take strict action against any loss to government or private property during the protests.

In the midst of these developments, thousands of protesting farmers have found support from the Nihang Sikhs, a warrior sect known for their distinctive blue robes and ancient weapons. The farmers, predominantly Sikhs from Punjab, are demanding higher prices for their crops and have been marching to Delhi to press their demands.

Union Minister Arjun Munda has assured that the Central Government is dedicated to resolving the farmers’ issues through dialogue. He highlighted the recent decision to fix the fair and remunerative price of sugarcane at ₹340 per quintal as an example of the government’s commitment to farmers’ welfare.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has announced financial assistance of ₹1 crore and a government job for the family of the deceased farmer. He has also promised legal action against those responsible for the farmer’s death.

As the farmers’ protest continues, tensions remain high, and the demand for justice for the deceased farmer grows louder. The coming days will be crucial as the farmers and the government navigate through this challenging situation.

By – Kashish Jain

The farmers claimed that a 22-year-old protestor from Bathinda, Shubhkaran Singh, was killed during the clash with the police. However, the police have denied this claim, calling it a rumor.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has assured action and announced financial aid for the family of the deceased protestor. He also stated that an FIR will be filed after the post-mortem. Security forces used tear gas, firing at least three rounds by Wednesday evening. The ‘Delhi Chalo’ protest march was initiated by farmers following a failure of talks with the Centre over minimum support price (MSP) guarantees.

Shubhkaran Singh, a 21-year-old farmer from Bhatinda, was killed on Wednesday in clashes between security personnel and protesting farmers at the Khanauri border. Twelve police personnel were also injured in the clashes.

The medical superintendent of Rajindra Hospital in Patiala, H S Rekhi, stated that Singh suffered a head injury, but the exact cause of death will be ascertained after the post-mortem. According to official reports, Shubhkaran Singh succumbed to a bullet injury. Farmers at the border alleged that the police used rubber bullets in addition to tear gas shells. Conversely, the Haryana police claimed that the farmers instigated the violence by attacking security personnel with stones and sticks. Later that evening, Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who was hit by a teargas shell, was admitted to Rajindra Hospital in Patiala. AAP leader and Punjab health minister Balbir Singh condemned the police’s actions as an “assault on democracy.” Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal asserted that Singh’s death was a result of police gunfire, although this has not been officially confirmed. 

Shubhkaran Singh was a resident of Balloh village in Bathinda, about 15 kilometers from Rampura Phul city. He was described as a hard-working contract farmer who cultivated 20 acres of land on contract with his uncle Charanjit Singh. He was also an activist of the Bhartiya Kisan Union Sidhupur and had participated in the 2021 farmers’ agitation.

Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda stated that though several rounds of discussions with the farmers were held, more efforts have to be made from both sides to reach a consensus. He affirmed the central government’s commitment to working for the interest of farmers. The government and the protesting farmers must work together to find a mutually beneficial solution that addresses the concerns of the farming community while ensuring the safety and security of all involved.

By – Kashish Jain