A tragic incident unfolded on Wednesday as a 21-year-old farmer, identified as Subhkaran Singh, lost his life due to a head injury sustained at the Punjab-Haryana border near Khanauri. This unfortunate event occurred amidst the resumption of protests by farmers in the region, sparking renewed tensions. The ongoing protests have prompted strong criticism from opposition parties, particularly the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress, who have accused the Central government.
In response to the escalating situation, the BJP-ruled Haryana government has extended the ban on mobile internet and bulk SMS services in seven districts until February 23. This move comes as tensions remain high in the wake of clashes between farmers and security personnel. Farmer leaders have condemned the alleged use of force by authorities, citing instances of tear gas shelling and reported injuries among protestors.
Despite the adversities, Union Minister Anurag Thakur reiterated the government’s commitment to dialogue, acknowledging farmers as the nation’s ‘Annadatas’ or food providers. However, farmer leaders have expressed dissatisfaction, demanding concrete action from the authorities. They have temporarily halted the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march for two days, intending to reassess their strategy before deciding the next steps.
The core of the farmers’ grievances revolves around their demands for new legislation guaranteeing minimum prices for 23 crops. Additionally, they seek the fulfillment of promises made during the 2021 protests, including loan waivers and the withdrawal of legal cases against protestors. The government, on the other hand, has defended its agricultural policies, emphasizing efforts to double farmers’ income through measures such as increased Minimum Support Prices (MSP) and procurement.
Meanwhile, the situation has garnered attention beyond the borders of Punjab and Haryana. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) founder Sharad Pawar criticized the government, highlighting the plight of farmers across the nation. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also intervened, ordering the formation of a committee to address grievances raised by farmers in Gautam Buddh Nagar.
As tensions persist and negotiations continue, the fate of the farmers’ protests remains uncertain. The tragic loss of Subhkaran Singh serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by those advocating for agricultural reforms. In the coming days, all eyes will remain on the evolving situation, hoping for a resolution that addresses the concerns of farmers while ensuring stability and progress in the agricultural sector.
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