A 55-year-old farmer, who was part of the ongoing protest at the Shambhu border between Punjab and Haryana, tragically died by suicide, making it the second such incident at the protest site in less than three weeks. According to reports, the farmer, hailing from Pahuwind in Punjab’s Tarn Taran district, took the extreme step due to growing frustration over the lack of resolution from the Centre on the demands for guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops.
The farmer’s death occurred at the Shambhu border point, where farmers have been protesting since February 13, 2024, under the banners of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. They have been calling for the Centre to implement policies that ensure MSP for their crops, a long-standing demand that remains unresolved despite months of protests. The farmer was reportedly distressed over the Centre’s failure to address these pressing issues, according to farmer leader Tejvir Singh.
The deceased farmer was rushed to Rajindra Hospital in Patiala, where he was declared dead. His death comes only weeks after another farmer, also protesting at the Shambhu border, allegedly died by suicide on December 18. Reports indicated that the farmer who passed away in December was deeply troubled by the deteriorating health of 70-year-old farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a hunger strike at the Khanauri border since November 26, 2023.
As the situation at the protest sites intensifies, farmer leaders have raised alarm over the health of Dallewal, who is now in critical condition. On Tuesday, they warned that if anything happens to Dallewal, it could lead to uncontrollable consequences. “God forbid if anything untoward happens to Dallewal ji, then perhaps the situation may not remain under control of the Central government,” said farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar.
On Monday, a Supreme Court-appointed High-Powered Committee met with Dallewal to assess his condition. However, Dallewal reportedly refused medical assistance, underscoring the gravity of his protest. The Punjab government has called for urgent intervention, with Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to personally intervene and address the ongoing issues.
Singh further stated, “Punjab government is worried about his health condition… I appeal to the PM and the Union Agriculture Minister to talk to him… Even if the Prime Minister converses with him telephonically, the entire problem will be solved. The border of Punjab will also reopen. Common people have been facing difficulties.”
The deaths at the protest site highlight the growing desperation among farmers who have been demanding government action for over a year. As the protests continue, there is widespread concern about the well-being of the farmers and the potential escalation of tensions if their demands are not addressed.
Sources By Agencies
