Tension flared up this morning at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points when Haryana Police used tear gas to disperse protesting farmers trying to move barricades. Later in the day, Sarwan Singh Pandher, General Secretary of Punjab Kisan Mazdoor, announced the suspension of the march for the next two days. The future plan of action will be decided on Friday, February 23.
According to farmers at the Haryana border, a protester named Shubhkaran Singh, aged 22, from Bathinda, was allegedly killed during a clash with the police. However, the police have refuted this claim, labeling it as a rumor.
1 Died in Farmers Protest
A farmer passed away at the Khanauri border in Haryana following clashes between protesting farmers and the police. The All-India Kisan Sabha claimed that the farmer died during police action, which the Haryana police refuted. In response, the protesting farmers have temporarily halted their march to Delhi for two days, though they will continue their sit-in protest.
A doctor at a Patiala hospital where Shubh Karan Singh was brought stated that he had suffered a bullet wound. A post-mortem examination is pending.
Dr. Rekhi, the Senior Medical Officer at Patiala’s Rajendra Hospital, mentioned, “Three patients arrived from Khanauri. One was pronounced dead upon arrival, while the other two are in stable condition with suspected bullet injuries. However, further details, including the size of the bullet, can only be confirmed after the postmortem examination.”
Police Response on Protester Death
The farmers claimed that the Haryana Police used tear gas to stop them from crossing barricades at the border. Despite this, the march continued after farmer leaders rejected a government proposal. This marked the fourth round of talks attempting to resolve the deadlock.
The Haryana Police have refuted claims of any fatalities. A statement from their official X account (formerly Twitter) stated, “As per current information, no farmer has died today. Any reports suggesting otherwise are mere rumors. However, two policemen and one protester have sustained injuries at the Data Singh-Khanori border and are receiving medical attention.”
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann confirmed the death, expressing his sorrow upon viewing a video of the incident. He stated, “Upon seeing the video, I was deeply saddened and got goosebumps. As soon as I became aware of it, I felt very sorry,” during a press briefing.
Farmer’s Death Sparks Anger
Following the tragic event, two groups of farmers expressed their anger, pointing fingers at both the state police and the Central government.
The All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) stated that Shubh Karan Singh’s death was a direct consequence of police actions. They criticized the Modi government, accusing it of brutality despite claiming to support farmers. Additionally, they condemned the Haryana BJP government, led by Manohar Lal Khattar, for treating protesting farmers harshly, likening it to a war-like scenario.
Similarly, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) held the Prime Minister and the Executive responsible for the crisis due to their failure to implement agreements made on December 9, 2021.
Shubh Karan Singh, aged 23 and hailing from Bathinda, was identified as the deceased. He hailed from the Valo village in Bathinda district. According to farmer leader Kaka Singh Kotra, Shubh Karan Singh’s body is currently at Rajendra Hospital.
Mr. Mann, another farmer leader, shared that Shubh Karan Singh owned 2 acres of land. Raised by his grandmother after his mother’s early demise, he had two sisters. The question of why he had to be at Khanauri or Shambhu instead of going directly to Delhi was raised by Bhagwant Mann.
Updates on Farmer Protest
- This morning, farmers gathered at the Khanauri border, connecting Punjab and Haryana, for the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march. Around 1,200 tractor trolleys, 300 cars, and 10 mini-buses were part of the gathering. However, the march was suspended for the next two days, announced in the evening.
- During a clash with the police at the Khanauri border, Shubhkaran Singh, a 22-year-old protesting farmer from Bathinda, was reportedly killed. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann ensured action in the case, promising to file an FIR after the post-mortem. He also pledged financial aid to the protester’s family from the Punjab government.
- Farmers have adopted various unconventional methods, including using face shields, masks, toothpaste as a face repellant, wet jute bags to extinguish smoke canisters, and kites to deter drone surveillance.
- Officials warned of potential traffic congestion around Delhi’s three border points on Wednesday due to road closures. Tikri and Singhu, two points on the Delhi-Haryana border, are heavily guarded with police personnel and multiple layers of barricades. The Ghazipur border might also close on Wednesday if needed, according to an official statement.
- With tensions high at the Haryana-Punjab border amid the ongoing farmers’ agitation, the Haryana government extended the suspension of internet services until February 23.
Farmers Protest FAQs
Q.1. What sparked tensions at the Khanauri border?
Ans. Tensions flared due to clashes between protesting farmers and Haryana Police, leading to the suspension of the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march.
Q.2. Who was allegedly killed during the clash?
Ans. Shubhkaran Singh, a 22-year-old protesting farmer from Bathinda, was reportedly killed, sparking outrage and protests.
Q.3. What actions did Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann promise?
Ans. Mann assured filing an FIR after post-mortem and pledged financial aid to the deceased protester’s family.
Q.4. Why was the internet suspended in Haryana?
Ans. The Haryana government extended internet suspension amid escalating tensions at the Haryana-Punjab border.
Q.5. How did the protesting farmers react to the situation?
Ans. They temporarily halted their march, awaiting further decisions on future plans and actions.
