Farmers Protest: In a tragic turn of events, farmer leaders decided to suspend the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march for two days following the death of a 21-year-old protester and injuries to 12 police personnel in clashes at Khanauri, a significant protest site on the Punjab-Haryana interstate border. The deceased protester, identified as Subhkaran Singh, succumbed to a head injury, triggering accusations of government mishandling and further intensifying the already tense situation.
A 22 years old Shubhakaran Singh lost his life in police firing at Farmer’s protest site.
Modi govt is crossing all the limits of cruelty….#FarmerLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/omsCWSjN2s
— Shantanu (@shaandelhite) February 21, 2024
Farmers Protest – Key Developments:
Death of Subhkaran Singh
Singh, a small landowner supporting his family, including a mentally ill father, became the first farmer casualty during the ongoing agitation. The circumstances surrounding his death raise concerns, with Singh’s family and farmer groups alleging he was shot.
Samyukt Kisan Morcha’s Response
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) expressed condolences for Singh’s death, squarely blaming the government for the crisis. The farmers’ body called for a meeting of its National Coordination Committee and the General Body on February 22 to discuss the situation and plan decisive actions.
Haryana Police Account
Haryana Police reported that protesting farmers at Khanauri set chaff mixed with chilli powder on fire, attacking security forces with stones and sharp weapons. The toxic smoke, resulting from chilli pepper-laced straw, led to breathing problems and poor visibility for the cops.
Farmers Protest – Appeal to Protesters
AIG (Administration) Manisha Chaudhary appealed to protesters to refrain from such activities, emphasizing the risks associated with toxic smoke. The clashes prompted the police to fire tear gas shells to disperse advancing protesters at Khanauri and Shambhu border points.
Police Officer’s Demise
A sub-inspector of Haryana Police, Vijay Kumar, posted at the Tohana border, passed away after his health deteriorated. Three police officers have lost their lives on duty during the ongoing agitation, adding to the grim toll.
Internet Ban Extension
The Haryana government extended the ban on mobile internet and bulk SMS services in seven districts until February 23, aiming to prevent the spread of misinformation and rumors that could incite violence during protests.
Farmers Protest – Transportation Challenges
Ongoing road blockades severely disrupted road connectivity between Chandigarh and Delhi since February 13. The resulting train unavailability until February 25 has forced commuters to explore costly alternatives like flights, where fares have surged four times higher than usual.
Protest Plans and Road Blockade
In response to Singh’s death, Bharatiya Kisan Union (Charuni) members plan a two-hour road blockade across major roads in Haryana on Thursday. Union head Gurnam Singh Charuni urges protesters to avoid clashes with authorities, with heightened tensions leading to the cancellation of effigy-burning plans.
Farmers Protest – Agriculture Minister’s Appeal
Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda calls for considering the interests of farmers nationwide during discussions on protesters’ demands. He appeals to farmers to engage in further discussions, expressing confidence in finding a solution through negotiations.