Farmers Protest Escalates After Protestor’s Death; Roads to be Blocked

Since February 13, road blockades that have been ongoing have caused significant disruptions to the road connectivity between Chandigarh and Delhi. As a consequence of the train being unavailable until February 25, commuters have been forced to investigate more expensive alternatives, such as flying, where the cost of tickets has increased by a factor of four compared to the norm.

Farmers Protest: In an unexpected turn of instances, farmer leaders made the decision to postpone the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march for two days. This decision was made in response to the fact that a protester who was 21 years old had been killed and 12 police officials had been injured during skirmishes at Khanauri, which is a key protest location on the interstate boundary between Punjab and Haryana.

A head injury ultimately proved fatal for the deceased protester, who has been identified as Subhkaran Singh. This event has led to allegations of mismanagement on the part of the administration, which has further escalated the already tense situation.

Farmers Protest – Important Turning Points:

Death of Subhkaran Singh

Singh, a modest landowner who was providing for his family, which included a father who suffered from mental illness, was the first farmer to lose their life as a result of the continuous unrest. Concerns have been raised regarding the situation surrounding his death, with Singh’s family and associations representing farmers claiming that he was shot.
Response of Samyukt Kisan Morcha’s
While expressing sorrow for Singh’s passing, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) placed all responsibility for the situation on the government. On February 22, the farmers’ organization convened its General Body and National Coordination Committee to review the situation and formulate a course of action.

Haryana Police action

Farmers in Khanauri, Haryana, allegedly attacked police with bricks and sharp weapons while protesting, setting fire to chaff laced with chilli powder. The police had trouble seeing and had trouble inhaling due to the poisonous smoke that was a byproduct of the pepper-laced straw.

Farmers Protest – Summon to Protesters

Due to the risks posed by poisonous smoke, AIG (Administration) Manisha Chaudhary urged protesters not to take part in such actions. At the border posts at Khanauri and Shambhu, police used tear gas bombs to disperse approaching protesters after conflicts.

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

With the intention of preventing the dissemination of disinformation and rumours that could encourage violence during demonstrations, the government of Haryana has extended the ban on wireless broadband and bulk text message services across seven districts till February 23.

Farmers Protest – Transportation Challenges

Since February 13, road blockades that have been ongoing have caused significant disruptions to the roadways between Chandigarh and Delhi. As a consequence of the train being unavailable until February 25, commuters have been forced to investigate more expensive alternatives, such as flying, where the cost of tickets has increased by a factor of four compared to the norm.

Protest Plans and Road Blockade

To express their sorrow at Singh’s passing, members of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Charuni) intend to stage a road blockade in Haryana that will last for two hours and cover important routes. The leader of the Union, Gurnam Singh Charuni, has issued a call to the demonstrators, urging them to avoid conflicts with the authorities. The heightened tensions have resulted in the postponement of plans to burn effigies.

Farmers protest – proposal of Agriculture Minister’s

During negotiations on the demands of demonstrators, Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda has called for the concerns of farmers all over the country to be recognized and taken into consideration. He makes a plea to farmers to participate in additional conversations, expressing optimism that they will be able to find a solution through further negotiations.