Farmer killed in clash with police ahead of Chandigarh rally over flood relief

Farmer leaders detained in Punjab ahead of protest in Chandigarh for flood-relief compensation. Police and farmers clashed, leading to the death of one farmer dead. 16 farmer outfits from 6 states to gather in Chandigarh on Aug 22

Several farmers leaders were on August 21 detained in Punjab, a day ahead of a slated demonstration by farmers unions from flood-ravaged States of north India. They are seeking immediate flood-relief compensation.

Farmers from across the State have begun marching towards Chandigarh to participate in the demonstration. In Sangrur’s Longowal village, police personnel and farmers clashed after an attempt to breach a police barricade. One farmer later succumbed to his injuries.

The police said farmers associated with BKU Azad Union were marching towards Badbar Toll Plaza on Barnala-Sangrur National Highway to establish a picket when police attempted to stop them. “When barricades were breached and tractor trolleys began moving forward the police tried to stop them but they pressed on. An Inspector was nearly caught under a tractor trolley. The same trolley ran over an old farmer Pritam Singh who was serious injured. He died during treatment,” said Sangrur’s Senior Superintendent of Police Surendra Lamba.

Police said preventive measures are being taken. A senior police officer confirmed to The Hindu that a few farmer leaders have been detained, however, the number has not been confirmed so far.

The move invited sharp criticism from opposition political parties and farmer unions. The Congress party accused the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of unleashing a “draconian agenda” on the farming community and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) condemned the action.

Farmers associated with as many as 16 unions from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand have decided to gather in Chandigarh on August 22 to press for immediate compensation from the Centre and State governments.

Hitting out at the AAP government, Mr. Bajwa said “Leaders of 16 unions led by the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC) have been arrested in different parts of Punjab since Monday morning. The so-called Badlav (change) and pro-farmer government has unleashed its draconian agenda again. This time farmers are at the receiving end.”