Accident – Death – Obituary News : The tragic death of Shubhkaran Singh, a 22-year-old farmer from Bathinda’s Ballo village, has sent shockwaves through the farming community and halted any progress towards resolving the ongoing protests. The young farmer sustained a fatal injury to the back of his neck while protesting at Khanauri border, leading to a suspension of talks between farm leaders and the Centre.
Demand for justice and recognition of Singh as a “martyr” has intensified, with farm outfits refusing to allow the police to conduct an autopsy on his body. Leaders from various farmer unions have called for black flags to be hoisted as a mark of protest against his “murder”, and have demanded that the state government declare him a martyr.
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has joined the chorus of voices seeking justice for Singh, calling for an FIR to be lodged against Haryana government officials and the state Home Minister under murder charges. They have also requested a compensation of Rs 1 crore for Singh’s family, a judicial inquiry into his death, and for Haryana to bear the cost of damaged tractors.
In response to the tragic incident, a meeting convened by the SKM was attended by over 100 farm union leaders from across the country. It was decided to observe a nationwide black day on February 23 in collaboration with central trade unions, who will wear black badges to work in solidarity.
Rakesh Tikait, leader of Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), has announced plans for a tractor march on highways leading to Delhi on February 26, as well as a one-day event at the Ramlila ground in Delhi on March 14. The Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar association has also decided to abstain from work to condemn the police excesses that led to Singh’s untimely death.
The state government has initiated talks with agitating farmers leaders, with a focus on addressing their demands and concerns. Despite the tragic loss of Shubhkaran Singh, there is a sense of empathy and understanding from the state government, as demonstrated by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s video address to the state following the incident.
As the farming community mourns the loss of a young life, the call for justice and accountability grows louder. The legacy of Shubhkaran Singh as a dedicated and hard-working farmer will not be forgotten, and his death serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by those fighting for their rights..