Farmer's protest in Punjab; deceased farmer to get 10L Compensation | Chandigarh | Agitation

Security measures have been escalated in Chandigarh, while around 4,000 paramilitary and police personnel remain on standby. This comes as 16 farmer unions shift their compensation demonstration, prompted by summer floods, from Chandigarh to Longowal in Punjab's Sangrur. The move follows a clash between protesting farmers and the police on Monday.

The clash erupted as police attempted to prevent farmers from blocking a highway and a toll plaza. This was in response to the detention of certain farm leaders ahead of a Chandigarh demonstration. Tragically, during the confrontation, 70-year-old farmer Pritam Singh lost his life when a tractor-trolley ran over him. Additionally, five policemen were injured.
A serious turn of events saw 53 farmers booked for attempted murder in connection with the clash. This added tension to an already charged atmosphere as farmers continued their protest near the Longowal police station, demanding action against the police for their use of force.

Sangrur's Senior Police Superintendent, Surendra Lamba, explained that farmer leaders incited protesters to breach barricades, which ultimately led to the confrontation. He noted that an FIR regarding the death is pending, awaiting the family's complaint.
Efforts are being made to identify those involved in attacking the police by scrutinizing videos of the clash. Out of the 53 accused, 18 have been identified. The clash centered around members of a faction of the Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) attempting to block the Sangrur-Barnala national highway and Badbar toll plaza. The police refused to allow this, resulting in the use of tractor-trailers to breach barricades.
Pritam Singh's death occurred when his leg was trapped under a tractor during the confrontation, leading to his tragic demise. A distressing video circulated on social media, capturing the moment of the incident.
Prior to these events, Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Banwarilal Purohit assured 11 farmer union representatives that he would convey their demands to the Union government. Amid escalating tensions, Inspector-General Gurpreet Singh Bhullar highlighted extensive security arrangements to maintain law and order, including three-tier check posts near Chandigarh.
The farmers' determination remains unwavering, with their threat to stage sit-ins and block traffic wherever they face resistance. Protests have been ongoing, with Sikh activists blocking traffic movement along the Chandigarh-Mohali route since January 7.
As a backdrop to this ongoing unrest, the region has been grappling with severe floods causing significant losses for farmers. The farmers sought a special package of Rs 50,000 crore from the Centre including Rs 50,000 per acre for crop loss, Rs 5 lakh for damaged houses, and Rs 10 lakh for families of deceased individuals.

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