Chandigarh: The family members of Shubhkaran Singh, a 22-year-old farmer who lost his life in the recent clashes at the Punjab-Haryana border, have declined the Rs 1 crore ex gratia compensation offered by the state government. “Our priority is justice for our beloved Shubhkaran, and no amount of money or job can replace that,” stated his family members.
Meanwhile, farmer leaders have asserted that they will not permit a post-mortem examination of the young farmer until those responsible for his demise are held accountable.
On Wednesday, amidst the ongoing farmers’ protest at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders between Punjab and Haryana, Shubhkaran Singh lost his life while several others sustained injuries due to tear gas shells being dropped by the Haryana Police using drones.
Despite the use of tear gas, instead of dispersing, the farmers were observed moving closer to the barricades, indicating their determination to cross them.
Reports, albeit unverified, suggest that the victim, identified as 24-year-old Shubhkaran Singh from Bathinda, was allegedly shot by the Haryana Police. This incident unfolded as the farmers’ protest gained significant momentum on Wednesday, with a large gathering converging to resume the Dilli Chalo march.
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H.S. Rekhi, the medical superintendent at the government-run Rajindra Hospital had confirmed that the youth was brought in already deceased around 3 pm, showing signs of a bullet injury. Further clarification awaited the completion of the autopsy.
The Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Patiala Range, H.S. Bhullar, had stated that the Haryana Police resorted to firing 14 tear gas shells without provocation as the farmers attempted to march towards Delhi from the Shambhu border.
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare, Arjun Munda, extended another invitation to farmer leaders for discussions concerning the Minimum Support Price (MSP) issue.
He assured that the government is ready to address all concerns, including MSP demands, crop diversification, stubble burning, and FIR issues, in the upcoming fifth round of talks.
Earlier negotiations with the Centre regarding MSP demands had failed, prompting the farmer leaders to announce the resumption of their protest from Wednesday. They also urged authorities to reopen the borders to facilitate their protest.
In a separate development, a police officer, marking the third such incident, passed away on Tuesday night after falling ill.
