Farmer leaders of the Delhi Chalo agitation expressed their refusal to proceed with the cremation of Shubh Karan Singh, a protester who lost his life in Haryana Police action at Khanauri border on Wednesday. They demanded that the Punjab government initiate legal proceedings against those deemed responsible for Singh’s demise.
In a press conference held at Government Rajindra Hospital in Patiala on Friday, Sarwan Singh Pandher, among the farmer leaders, asserted that the post-mortem of the 21-year-old protester would not be conducted until Punjab Police files a First Information Report (FIR) against the Haryana Police. Pandher emphasized the significance of justice over monetary compensation, echoing the sentiments expressed by Charanjit Singh, Shubh Karan’s father.
This stance follows Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s announcement of a Rs 1 crore compensation package and a government job for Shubh Karan’s sister. However, Punjab Police sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed the jurisdictional challenge posed by Haryana Police’s insistence that the incident occurred within their territory, rendering it difficult for Punjab Police to register an FIR.
The tragic incident unfolded when farm protesters clashed with Haryana Police at Khanauri, where barricades had been erected to impede their march. Shubh Karan sustained a fatal head injury during the confrontation, leading to the postponement of his post-mortem as demonstrators pressed for their demands to be met.
Despite assurances from the Punjab government regarding the pursuit of justice, farmer leaders expressed skepticism, citing alleged pressures on Shubh Karan’s family to hasten the cremation process. Jagjit Singh Dallewal, representing the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha, criticized the jurisdictional impasse and underscored the farmers’ unwavering commitment to securing justice for the deceased.
As discussions regarding the next steps unfold, farmer leaders remain resolute in their quest for justice, even as they observe a ‘black day’ to mourn Shubh Karan’s demise. Plans for tractor marches on highways and a nationwide gathering in Delhi further underscore the determination of the farming community to press for their demands, including a guaranteed minimum support price for crops and agricultural debt relief.
While the Delhi Chalo march experiences a temporary hiatus, protesters continue to occupy Khanauri and Shambhu with their tractor-trolleys and trucks, steadfast in their resolve to advocate for their rights.