Hectic parleys between Central officials and farmer leaders spearheading the “Dilli Chalo” campaign since morning came to a standstill and turned ugly after the death of a 22-year-old farmer in action by the Haryana Police at Khanauri.Over 100 protesters were injured, a few of them grievously, following rubber bullets and tear gas shells fired by the Haryana Police at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders.
The deceased farmer has been identified as Shubhkaran Singh of Balloh village in Bathinda. He received a “bullet” injury in the rear part of his head at Khanauri. “We cannot say clearly if it was a rubber bullet or an actual bullet till the post-mortem is conducted,” said a doctor at Government Rajindra Hospital, where the victim was earlier rushed for treatment. Relatives said Shubhkaran had just over two acres of landholding and was the lone brother of two sisters. His father had died a few years ago.
Meanwhile, the farm unions have delayed their “Dilli Chalo” march and said they would hold discussions for two days and take a final decision on Friday evening. “We will stay put at Shambhu and Khanauri and won’t enter Haryana. We are yet to decide on the Centre’s fresh talks offer as we are shocked over the death of the young farmer,” said a farm leader.
Speaking on the current situation on farmers protest, Haryana Police Spokesperson Manisha Chaudhary said, “At Data Singh-Khanauri border, protesters surrounded police personnel and set stubble on fire with chilli powder in it. They also pelted stones at police and attacked policemen using sticks and maces. As many as 12 police personnel have suffered serious injuries in this attack. We appeal to protesters to maintain peace and help maintain law and order in the region. This is dangerous for both sides and can result in unforeseen circumstances.”
Addressing the presser, Pandher said, “After what happened in Khanauri, we felt that dialogue is difficult in this environment… the government is running away from giving guarantee on MSP law… We have not blocked the highway, that too has been blocked by the government, we are just saying let us move forward in peace…. now there will be peace for two days tomorrow and after that we will take our next call… I apologise for the treatment meted out to media persons today…”
Earlier in the day, Punjab and Central Government officials held talks with farmer leaders at the Shambhu border. Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee general secretary Sarwan Singh Pandher and senior SKM (Non-Political) leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal remained adamant on the MSP for all crops and an announcement in this regard either by the Prime Minister or the Home Minister.
