Punjab Unrest: Farmers Clash with Police Over Detentions; One Dead, Several Injured

In a dramatic turn of events in Punjab’s Sangrur district, a farmer lost his life and five policemen were reportedly injured during a clash between the police and protesting farmers. The unrest was sparked by the detention of several farm union leaders, who were gearing up for a rally in Chandigarh. The rally was aimed at demanding compensation for crop losses due to recent floods.

Details of the Incident

The deceased, identified as Preetam Singh (55), a resident of Mander Kalan village, was part of a convoy in the Longowal area.

• The police were attempting to prevent the farmers from obstructing a national highway and a toll plaza.
• The situation escalated when the farmers, in a bid to continue their march, forcibly removed barricades using tractor-trolleys and buses.
• Amidst the chaos, Preetam Singh was tragically run over by a tractor-trolley and succumbed to his injuries during treatment.

Sangrur’s Senior Superintendent of Police, Surendra Lamba, stated that the farmers intended to block the Badbar toll plaza and the Barnala Sangrur National Highway. He added that the police had video evidence showing the tragic moment when Preetam Singh was crushed under the trolley’s rear tyres. Lamba attributed the incident to the “irresponsible behaviour” of some tractor and bus drivers during the protest.

Farmers’ Allegations

However, the farm unions have placed the blame squarely on the police.

• Bhupinder Singh Longowal, a leader of the Kirti Kisan Union, accused the police of vandalizing farmers’ buses, which he believes led to the unfortunate incident.
• The unions are demanding an FIR against the police officials involved and have refused to cremate Preetam Singh’s body until action is taken.

Backdrop of the Protests

The farmers were protesting a day before a scheduled demonstration in Chandigarh.

• Sixteen farm unions, including prominent ones like the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee and Bharti Kisan Union, were set to rally for compensation for flood-induced losses.
• The unions have also accused the Punjab Police of arresting their leaders without cause, further fueling tensions.

What Lies Ahead?

Farmers have now been granted permission to protest in Mohali.

• They plan to gather at the Shambhu toll plaza near Ambala and then proceed to Chandigarh.
• The farmer unions are demanding a central flood relief package of Rs 50,000 crore for Punjab and Rs 50,000 per acre compensation for those affected by the floods.

As the situation remains tense, it’s crucial for both sides to engage in dialogue and find a peaceful resolution.

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