A farmer was killed and about 12 police personnel were injured in clashes at Khanauri on the Punjab-Haryana border on Wednesday. (Express file photo)
The Executive Committee of the Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association (HCBA) has called upon lawyers to abstain from work on February 23, in view of the tragic incident in which a young farmer tragically lost his life at Khanauri border on February 21. However, the Advocate General of Haryana has opposed the HCBA’s decision.
A letter by Swarn Singh Tiwana, Honorary Secretary of HCBA Punjab and Haryana High Court, stated, “Various representations and calls have been received from members of the Bar. The Executive Committee has unanimously decided that the Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association consistently supports the farmers’ union. Following the regrettable incident yesterday, in which a young farmer tragically lost his life due to police excesses, the Executive Committee has resolved to abstain from work on February 23, 2024.”
Dear Readers,
A lot is being written about the latest round of farmer protests and their demand for a legal guarantee backing MSPs. The MSPs refer to “minimum support prices” (announced by the government for several crops) and although they sound innocuous, as the repeated farmer protests underscore, they are routinely contested and have wide-ranging ramifications — from how much farmers earn to how much you pay for your food items to how much the government has to borrow in its annual budget. Here is a basic explainer of what MSPs are and the purpose behind them.
In the past few years, especially since the current Union government introduced three new farm laws in 2020 (which were repealed a year later), farmer protests have intensified. Unfortunately, although unsurprisingly, the public opinion on this matter, too, has polarised along political lines. Indeed, the protests and the protesting farmers have become a bigger talking point than the underlying issues.
The run-up to the 2024 parliamentary election is witnessing pendulum swings, and competing and conflicting perceptions. The needle has moved from the emergence of the INDIA alliance wielding the demand for a caste census, to perceptions of a BJP advantage after the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. This narrative is being challenged by south-based regional parties asking the Centre for their share in federal funds. Amid these developments comes the Punjab farmers’ bid to march towards Delhi.
The stage is being set once again ahead of the election as several farmer unions have backed the protest. The state machinery has once again deployed its forces at Delhi’s borders, and they have been heavily barricaded. However, the current protest differs from the 2020 farmers’ protests in several aspects — such as the nature of demands, the organisations involved and the governments’ response.
The ongoing protests are spearheaded by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha led by Jagjit Singh Dhallewal and Sarwan Singh Pandher, who were not prominent in the previous farmers’ protest. Two groups led by Darshan Pal and Balbir Singh Rajewal have given a separate call for a Bharat Bandh on February 16. BKU (Ugrahan) has given a separate call for Rail Roko against excessive use of state force in Haryana on February 15.
Farmers offer ardas during their Delhi Chalo march, near the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border, in Patiala district, Saturday. (PTI Photo)
The government is scared of the power of farmers: Akhilesh Yadav in Agra
Attacking the government in his address during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Agra, Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav said, "Today, farmers are standing against the government. The government is scared of the power of farmers. In the coming time, the BJP will be removed and the INDIA coalition government will give respect to farmers."
He joined Rahul Gandhi-led Nyay Yatra today after the final seat sharing deal between the two parties were finalised as part of the Opposition INDIA alliance arrangement for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Farmers' Protest Live Updates: Barriers at Singhu, Tikri borders removed
The Delhi police has arranged a pathway for the commuters by removing a portion of blocks at the Singhu and Tikri borders.
"We are removing a portion of the barrier from Point-A to Point-B for the commuters. The deployment of police and paramilitary forces will ensure strict vigil round the clock. Force deployment will stay in place. Vehicle movement will not be allowed for now," a senior police officer told PTI.
This comes after protesting farmers put the 'Dilli Chalo' march on hold till February 29. The final course of action is expected to be decided on that day as well.
BJP leader Amarinder Singh condemns 'barbaric act of violence' against farmer
Senior BJP leader Amarinder Singh has condemned the Haryana Police for the "barbaric act of violence" against a farmer who was injured during the ongoing farm protest at the Khanauri border.
He also urged Haryana Chief Minister M L Khattar to take strict action against the erring policemen.
Mobile internet services restored across Haryana
Mobile internet and bulk SMS services have been restored across Haryana, including in Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa.
Political Pulse | Behind Khattar govt’s U-turn on NSA against farm leaders, fear of rural blowback, Congress ‘gain’
The BJP-led Haryana government on Friday promptly backtracked from its decision to invoke the National Security Act (NSA), 1980 against farmer leaders protesting along the state’s border with Punjab.
Hours after announcing action would be taken against farmer leaders under the NSA, the Haryana Police on Friday morning reversed its decision. Officials also clarified that the police had not yet invoked the NSA against the farm leaders and had only “initiated the process”.
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Protesters continue hold fort at Shambhu, Khanauri borders amid deadlock with Centre
A deadlock between the farmer unions and the Punjab government continued on Saturday over the cremation of 24-year-old Shubhkaran Singh, who was killed on February 21 at the Khanauri border during a protest. According to the farmer unions, there was no communication from the Punjab government even on Saturday. “The family as well as the unions have demanded registration of FIR with murder charges against the persons who gave orders to open fire on the protesting farmers at the Khanauri border and without that, they will not cremate the body.”
Won't end agitation until demands met: Farmer leader Pandher
Farmers participating in the 'Delhi Chalo' call will not end their agitation until their demands are met, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said on Saturday while indicating that their stir may continue even after the model code of conduct for the Lok Sabha polls comes into force.
Thousands of farmers have been staying put at Khanauri and Shambhu points on Punjab's border with Haryana along with their tractor-trolleys and trucks after their march to the national capital to press the Centre for various demands, including a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) for crops, was stopped by security forces.
Protesting farmers light candles at Shambhu border this evening
At Tikri border, arrangements underway to open one lane
On the Tikri border, Jhajjar SP Arpit Jain says, " We are making arrangements to open one lane and I have spoken to DSP and SHO. Our efforts are to make sure that traffic is not affected and people don't suffer. Slowly slowly the lanes will be opened. We will start with one lane first..." Singhu and Tikri borders in Delhi were completely sealed as the protesting farmers headed towards Delhi during the first leg of the 'Dilli Chalo' march. At Tikri, which connects Delhi-Bahadurgarh, five-seven companies of para-military forces and around 200 Delhi Police personnel kept guard near concrete boulders and barricades. Police also installed speakers and 6 new CCTVs on steel panels to keep an eye out for protesters.
Have patience, solution will come, Jayant tells farmers
Rashtriya Lok Dal Chief Jayant Chaudhary on Friday asked the farmers protesting for minimum support price to exercise patience, saying a solution would definitely emerge.
Chaudhary appealed for restraint from “both sides” as he expressed his sorrow at the death of a young farmer on Wednesday during a farmer-police clash at the Khanauri border of Punjab and Haryana. “Farmers should exercise patience, a solution will definitely emerge. Violence is not acceptable in any form,” he said.
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Farmers' protest: Haryana extends mobile internet suspension in seven districts
he Haryana government has further extended the suspension of mobile internet and bulk SMS services in seven districts by a day till Saturday in the wake of the ongoing farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' agitation, according to an official order.
Mobile internet and bulk SMS services were first suspended in Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa on February 11 and the suspension was extended on February 13, 15, 17, 19, 20 and 21.
In the order issued on Friday, Additional Chief Secretary T V S N Prasad said, "After assessment of the current prevailing law and order situation in the state, the conditions are still critical and tense in the district Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa." "...There is a clear potential of disruption of public utilities, damage to public assets and amenities and disturbance of public law and order in these districts on account of misuse of internet services by way of spread of inflammatory material and false rumours," he said.
SGPC president visits Shambhu border; says langar sewa and medical aid will be provided by SGPC at protest site
The SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami visited Shambhu border on Saturday morning and served langar to the protesting farmers. He also organised a stall for medical aid. Dhami told the protesting farmers that SGPC was committed to standing by the community who was protesting for their rights.. told them to contact nearby gurdwara for any sort of help.
Langar Sewa and medical aid will be provided by SGPC at the protest site, he said.
"I am also a farmer and I remember that in 1968 prices of diesel used to be 68 paise per litre and wheat's price was rs 215 per quintal. In 2024 ...the price of diesel has increased by more than 100 times while MSP on cotton stands Rs 2275 a quintal. Earlier input cost was very low. Now the cost of fertilizers, sprays etc have added expenses but MSP calculation is not done retrospectively for the expenses and inflation," he said.
"Farmers wanted to go to Delhi to make them heard but it is a death of democracy as they are not being allowed. The Haryana government, Punjab government and central government are responsible for this situation in which they killed our young farmer and injured many, however, still the farmers are standing tall at the borders, and are following Gurus' teachings. SGPC stands tall with the farmers at this hour," he said further
Punjab Chief Secretary writes to his Haryana counterpart seeking custody of injured farmer from state
Punjab Chief Secretary Anurag Verma on Saturday wrote to his Haryana counterpart Sanjeev Kaushal seeking custody of Pritpal Singh, a farmer who is undergoing treatment in PGI Rohtak in Haryana after getting injured in the farm agitation. “You are requested to hand over Sh. Pritpal Singh to Punjab authorities so that his treatment may get done in Punjab, free of cost by the Punjab government. If any other agitating farmer from Punjab is under treatment from Haryana, he should also be handed over to us, Verma wrote in his letter.
Farmers Protest: 'No Post-Mortem Of Deceased Farmer Until Punjab Govt Punishes The Guilty'
The family of 22-year-old farmer Shubhkaran Singh, who died during clashes at the Punjab-Haryana border earlier this week, has turned down the Rs 1 crore ex gratia offered by the state government. “We are seeking justice for our child and it can’t be equated with money or job,” his family members said. Farmer leaders, meanwhile, have said that a post mortem of the youth will not be conducted until the guilty are punished.
Farmers to hold candle marches at Shambhu, Khanauri borders today
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher on Saturday said that the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and SKM (non-political) will hold a candle march on both Shambhu and Khanauri borders on Saturday evening.
"This is the 12th day of the morchas at Shambhu and Khanauri. Yesterday, Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and SKM (non-political) decided that a candle march will be held on both borders this evening, in memory of martyrs," he said. (ANI)
Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait on farmers' protest
“Farmers want (fair) price and it has to be given by the government. If the price is not given, they will keep asking the government for it. If farming is taken away from the farmers, then it will go in the hands of corporations and the country will go in the direction of capitalism. To fight it, we have to make our villages, labourers and tribals strong.”
'Dilli Chalo' march suspended till February 29
"The next announcement about the agitation will be made on February 29," Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said at the Khanauri border point.
He also announced they will hold a candle march on February 24 and will burn the effigies of the Centre on February 26.
Farmers leaders had Wednesday put the 'Delhi Chalo' march on hold for two days after a protester was killed and about 12 police personnel were injured in clashes at Khanauri.
Farmers to conduct programmes at Shambhu and Khanauri borders until February 28; Here's the schedule
Even though the 'Dilli Chalo' march stands suspended till February 29, the farmers will continue to hold fort at the two borders.
As per farmer leaders Jagjit Singh Dallewal and Sarvan Singh Pandher, here are the programmes scheduled
February 24: Candle marches will be organised across the country in the evening, in memory of "martyrs" Shubhakaran Singh and three other farmers who died during the protests.
February 25: A conference on WTO will be held at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders to raise awareness among farmers nationwide.
February 26: Effigies of WTO will be burnt in all villages in the morning; At 3 pm, large effigies of WTO will be burnt at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders.
February 27: National-level meetings of both forums will be held at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders.
February 28: A joint meeting of both forums will be organised
February 29: An announcement will be made regarding the farmers' protest
Political Pulse | Punjab BJP seeks ‘restraint from govt, security forces’ as anger over death at protest site grows
While the Centre plans its next move to negotiate with the protesting farmers, BJP leaders in Punjab have been increasingly breaking their silence on the matter, voicing their support and making attempts to bring the farmers’ concerns to the Union government’s attention.
The move by the leaders comes amidst the crackdown by the BJP-led Haryana government on the protesting farmers, to prevent them from making their way to Delhi as part of their agitation. The death of a 22-year-old, Shubhkaran Singh, in injuries received during the protests has further complicated matters for the party.
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Petition in SC alleges violation of farmers' rights by Centre, four states
A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court alleging violation of the rights of the "peacefully protesting" farmers by the Centre and some states.
The plea claimed the Centre and some states have issued "threats" and fortified the national capital's borders, after several farmer unions called protests seeking legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP) for their crops and implementation of the Swaminathan committee's recommendations.
"The petitioner is seeking a writ of mandamus in the interest of the farmers who are facing unfair treatment in their peaceful protests," said the petition filed by Agnostos Theos, Managing Director of the Sikh Chamber of Commerce.
Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) observes a "black day"
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) observed a "black day" today and burnt effigies of BJP leaders in protest against the Haryana Police's action against agitating farmers camping at two of the state's border points.
The call was given by the SKM on Thursday to mourn the death of Shubhkaran Singh, who died in clashes between the Haryana Police and farmers from Punjab.
The incident took place on Wednesday when the farmers taking part in a "Delhi Chalo" march organised by their unions rushed to the multi-layer barricades set up by authorities to prevent them from proceeding with their plan and clashed with police at the Khanauri border point between Punjab and Haryana.
Hours after announcing to slap NSA charges on protesting farmer leaders, Haryana Police backtracks
Hours after announcing that action would be taken under the National Security Act (NSA), 1980 against farmer leaders who are protesting along the state’s border with Punjab, the Haryana Police on Friday morning said the NSA will not be invoked against them. Officers added that the police had not yet invoked NSA against the farm leaders and had only initiated the process for the same.
Read more here
Jharkhand Governor CP Radhakrishnan on farmers' protest
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a programme at Raj Bhavan, the governor expressed his uncertainty regarding the feasibility of ensuring MSP through legislation.
What happened when protesters in Hisar were moving towards Khanauri border
The police lobbed tear gas shells to disperse the agitators and resorted to and lathicharge, sources said, while the agitators pelted stones at them. The police also allegedly deflated the tyres of the farmers’ tractors while the protesters reportedly damaged a police vehicle, leading to tension in the area.
Earlier in the day, the family of farmer Shubhkaran Singh, 22, who died during clashes at the Punjab-Haryana border, turned down the Rs 1 crore ex gratia offered by the state government. Farmer leaders, meanwhile, said that they will not allow a post-mortem on the youth’s body until the guilty are punished.
Haryana Farmers' Protest: Farmers detained in Hisar district
Nearly a dozen farmers, including farmer leader Suresh Koth, have been detained.
The farmers had gathered at Kheri Chopta in Hisar district to move towards the Khanauri border of Punjab.
BKU Ugrahan not going to Shambhu or Khanauri borders, but protesting within Punjab
The BKU Ugrahan is not part of the 'Dilli Chalo' march.
Joginder Singh Ugrahan, president of BKU Ugrahan while addressing BKU Ugrahan members in Sangrur:
"The 'Dilli Chalo' call has been given by two forums... Whether dharnas at Khanauri and Shambhu are correct or not, its accountability is on farmer leaders Pandher and Dallewal. We have ideological differences with them. But we are protesting at our own level within the state considering it our moral responsibility to take a stand on something wrong happening to the farming community."
'Dilli Chalo' march receives support from Bharatiya Adivasi Party (BAP)
Mahesh Chaudhary of the Kisan Mazdoor Union spearheading the 'Dilli Chalo' agitation said they have received the support of the Bharatiya Adivasi Party (BAP), which will support their movement and their Demand Charter at more than 200 blocks across South India, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat by submitting a memorandum to the President. “This marks the first time that the demands of laborers and tribals will be vigorously raised in a national-level farmers' movement,” said Chaudhary.
SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami to visit Shambhu border tomorrow
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami to visit Shambhu border 8 am tomorrow.
Meanwhile, protesting farmers continued to gather for dharnas across several locations in Punjab today.
Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal questions Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann
Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal in her post on Facebook: “The death of another farmer on the Khanouri border is extremely unfortunate. The condition of farmer Darshan Singh Vasi of Amargarh (Bathinda) had become serious due to the continuous firing of tear gas shells by the Haryana government within the limits of Punjab. Today, unfortunately, the farmer has passed away.
Bhagwant Mann Ji, instead of supporting the farmers of Punjab, why are you allowing Haryana and the central government to enter and inflict financial loss within the boundaries of Punjab?”
Punjab govt should lodge FIR against 'culprits' who killed Shubhkaran, says farmer leader Pandher
Sarwan Singh Pandher on Shubhkaran Singh's death: "...The Punjab government is spending so much time and energy on the family to agree for compensation and job. It is a suggestion to them that they must spend even half of this energy on looking into the demands of the farmers and daring to lodge an FIR against the culprits who killed Shubhkaran."
'Never told us before imposing NSA, not before revoking it,' say farmer leaders on Haryana police
Pandher and Dallewal on Haryana Police's decision to revoke NSA: "They never told us before invoking NSA and now after revoking it ...even if they will impose NSA...what is the worst that can happen? We will go to jails...that's it...take us, we are here."
'5 of our farmers were dragged by security forces, Punjab should dare to ask Haryana to bring our sons back,' says Dallewal
BKU President Jagjit Singh Dallewal alleged that multiple farmers were dragged away by Haryana's security forces. "Five of our farmers were dragged by security forces of Haryana ..they have taken them to unknown places in Haryana. Earlier two were taken. Punjab government should dare to ask Haryana to bring our sons back," he said.
Farmers Protest live: 'Punjab govt following delay tactics,' says farmer leader Dallewal
BKU President Jagjit Singh Dallewal accused the Punjab government of employing "delay tactics" by offering a compensation of Rs 1 crore to the family of 22-year-old Shubhkaran Singh. "Punjab government shouldn't try to focus only on compensation and they shouldn't try to influence Shubhkaran's family," he said.
"Priority is now to take justice for our ' martyr ' ... it depends how fast Punjab government can lodge FIR," he added.
No post-mortem of deceased youth until Punjab govt punishes the guilty, say farmer leaders
Farmer leaders Sarvan Singh Pandher and Dallewal have said the body of 22-year-old Shubhkaran Singh will not be taken for a post-mortem until those responsible for his death are brought to justice. "Compensation doesn't matter to us. .we will give a call today and farmers from across the globe will come and help Shubhkaran's family," said Pandher.
JUST IN | Family of deceased farmer protester turns down Rs 1 crore compensation
The family of 22-year-old farmer Shubhkaran Singh, who was died during clashes at the Punjab-Haryana border earlier this week, has turned down the Rs 1 crore ex gratia offered by the state government. “We are seeking justice for our child and it can’t be equated with money or job,” his family members said. Farmer leaders, meanwhile, have said that a post mortem of the youth will not be conducted until the guilty are punished.
Farmers Protest Live: Protests held across Punjab today
Protests were held across the state today in solidarity with the farmers. Take a look:
BKU leader warned to take permission before organising protest, notice pasted outside his residence
A notice was posted outside the residence of BKU Shaheed Bhagat Singh President, Amarjeet Singh Mohri, warning him to take permission from district administration before holding a protest. The notice was pasted outside his house on February 21, when he was participating in the agitation at Shambhu border, claimed his associates.
The notice asks him to give details of his property and land to the nearest police station by Feb 23, which is today.
Farmers' protest live updates: Protester dies of heart attack at Khanauri border
A farmer has died of a heart attack at Khanauri border. Darshan Singh of Amargarh village (district Bathinda) complained that he was feeling uneasy this morning. He was taken to Rajindra medical College, Patiala, where he died of cardiac arrest. He was 62 years old. Earlier in the day, Punjab police DGP Gaurav Yadav announced that a police officer died on duty at the Khanauri Border, Sangrur yesterday. The DGP posted; “Yesterday, we lost our braveheart DSP Dilpreet Singh who was performing duty at Khanori Border, Sangrur
Haryana not to invoke NSA against protesting farmer leaders: Police
Hours after announcing that action would be taken under the National Security Act (NSA), 1980 against farmer leaders who are protesting along the state’s border with Punjab, the Haryana Police on Friday morning said the NSA will not be invoked against them.
Officers added that the police had not yet invoked NSA against the farm leaders and had only initiated the process for the same. In a statement Friday morning, Inspector General of Police (Ambala) Sibash Kabiraj said, “This is to clarify to all concerned that the matter of invoking provisions of the National Security Act on a few farm union leaders in Ambala district has been reconsidered and it has been decided that the same will not be invoked.”
The IGP added: “Haryana Police appeals to the protesters and their leaders to maintain peace and co-operate with the authorities in maintaining law and order.” Read more.
‘Dilli Chalo’ march: As anger grows over youth’s death, key player of ’20-21 farm protest back in fray
The death of Shubhkaran Singh, a 22-year-old farmer from Bathinda’s Ballo village, cast a shadow over any chance of a resolution between protesting farmers and the Centre, as demands gathered pace to declare him a “martyr”.
Shubhkaran died of an injury to the back of his neck while protesting at Khanauri border on Wednesday, prompting farm leaders to suspend talks with the Centre. His body has been lying at the hospital since Wednesday, with farm outfits not allowing the police to get an autopsy conducted.
Bharti Kisan Union (Sidhupur) president Jagjit Singh Dallewal and Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee convener Sarvan Singh Pandher led the demand for the state government to declare Singh a “martyr”, and appealed to people to hoist black flags atop their homes, shops and vehicles as a mark of protest against his “murder”. Read more.
Farmers' Protest 2024 Live: What happened on Feb 21, the day Shubhkaran died
A 22-year-old Punjab farmer died of a head injury Wednesday at the state’s Khanauri border crossing in Sangrur district when Haryana security personnel used teargas shells — and according to farmers, even rubber bullets — against them as they set out on their ‘Dilli Chalo’ march to seek a minimum support price (MSP) guarantee.
Punjab officials said a total of 26 people were injured at the Khanauri and Shambhu border crossings which had been barricaded by Haryana Police to stop the march. Shubhkaran Singh, a youth from Balloh village in Bathinda district, became the first casualty in the protest by farmers after he died of a head injury.
He was declared “brought dead” at the Rajindra Hospital in Patiala. It was not clear what caused Shubhkaran’s head injury.
Read the full ground report
Farmer Protest Live Updates: Punjab CM Mann announces Rs 1 crore compensation for kin of 22-year-old protester killed at Haryana border
Two days after the death of 22-year-old farmer Shubkaran Singh at the Punjab-Haryana border, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced an ex gratia of Rs 1 crore for the family of the deceased. “Financial assistance of Rs 1 crore will be given by the Punjab Government to the family of Shubhakaran Singh, who was martyred during the farmers’ protest at Khanauri border, and his younger sister will be given a government job. Appropriate legal action will be taken against the culprits.. They are performing their duty,” Mann wrote on microblogging platform X.
Welcome to our live blog!
Good morning and welcome to our live blog. Follow this space for the latest updates on the ongoing farmer-led 'Dilli Chalo' protest. The march was halted for two days following the death of 22-year-old farmer Shubkaran Singh at the Punjab Haryana border. In his honour, farm leaders have appealed for today to be observed as a "black day"
Among the things to watch out for on Friday will be how the Union government responds to the farmers’ central demands, if it does, and the Opposition’s response. All rounds of talks between the farm unions and the Centre have failed till now.
Follow this space for the latest!