In a tragic turn of events during the ‘Dilli Chalo’ march, a 22-year-old farmer from Punjab lost his life at the Khanauri border crossing in Sangrur district. The Haryana security personnel employed teargas shells, and according to farmers, even rubber bullets, to disperse the protesters demanding a minimum support price (MSP) guarantee. The incident has prompted farmer leaders to halt the protest march until Friday.
Fatal Confrontation at Khanauri Border
Shubhkaran Singh, a youth from Balloh village in Bathinda district, succumbed to a head injury inflicted during the clash with Haryana security forces. A total of 26 people were reported injured at the Khanauri and Shambhu border crossings, both barricaded by Haryana Police to prevent the march.
Conflicting Reports on the Cause of Death
The exact cause of Shubhkaran’s head injury remains unclear. According to DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar, preliminary information suggests a rubber bullet hit him, but the details will be confirmed after a post-mortem examination. Protesters allegedly attempted to create a smokescreen by setting stubble on fire, leading to the use of tear gas and rubber bullets by security personnel.
Protest Leaders Call for Review Amidst Tragedy
The tragic death has led to a suspension of the protest march until Friday, as announced by Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee general secretary Sarvan Singh Pandher. The leaders, engaged in talks with officials at the Shambhu border, stormed out of the meeting upon learning of Shubhkaran’s death.
Political and Official Reactions
Appeals for Peace and Talks
Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda urged for peace and a return to the negotiating table after the incident. He expressed the government’s readiness to discuss various issues, including the MSP demand, crop diversification, stubble problem, and FIRs against farmers.
Punjab CM Vows Action
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann vowed to punish those responsible for Shubhkaran’s death, promising an investigation and an FIR against the guilty officers. However, Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij and DGP SS Kapur remained unavailable for comments.
Conflicting Narratives: Haryana Police’s Perspective
Haryana Police AIG Manisha Chaudhry released a video statement alleging that protesters attacked the police, set fire to paddy stubble, and engaged in stone pelting. However, there was no mention of Shubhkaran’s death in the official statement.
Ongoing Developments
Hospital Admissions and Continuing Tensions
Jagjit Singh Dallewal, president of the BKU Ekta (Sidhupur), was admitted to the Rajindra Hospital in Patiala after being struck by a teargas shell. The situation remains tense, with conflicting narratives and demands for justice echoing in the aftermath of the tragedy.
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