Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday announced a ban on dangerous stunts involving tractors and other agricultural implements in the State following a tragic incident in which a 29-year-old man lost his life during a stunt at a rural sports event in Gurdaspur district.

The incident, captured on video and widely shared online, has prompted widespread calls to prohibit such life-threatening stunts, which are a common sight at rural sports events in Punjab.

Mann, expressing his condolences, announced the ban with a message to the people of Punjab, stating, “A tractor is called the king of fields. Do not make it a messenger of death.” He added that the ban is being imposed to prevent such accidents and protect the precious lives of the people.

“This is an unfortunate incident…Any such mishap needs to be avoided in the coming future. For this, a complete ban on the stunts involving tractors and other agricultural implements is imposed in the state,” he said, adding that the State Government is duty bound to protect the precious lives of people and the decision has been taken in larger public interest.

On Saturday, the victim, Sukhmandeep Singh, was attempting a dangerous stunt at a fair in Sarchur village in Fatehgarh Churian when he fell while trying to climb onto a tractor, which was standing on its rear tires with its engine revving. Tragically, he was run over by the tractor.

These stunts are not only popular at rural sports events, but they also fetch cash prizes and fame for the performers, who often share videos of their stunts on social media. Some villages even host tournaments, such as ‘tractor tochan mukabla’ (tractor tug of war), where tractor drivers engage in high-octane face-offs with their vehicles, lifting the front wheels and performing other daring feats.

Punjab has a rich agricultural heritage, and the tractor holds a special place in the hearts of the people. Often referred to as the ‘king of fields’, the tractor is a symbol of the state's prosperity and sustenance. It plays a crucial role in the lives of Punjab’s farmers, supporting the agriculture that is the backbone of the state's economy. In fact, during the year-long historic farmers’ agitation against the Centre’s three (now repealed) farm laws, tractor has emerged as a symbol of farmers’ strength and agitation.

With this ban, the State Government aims to ensure that the tractor continues to be associated with productivity and sustenance, rather than accidents and loss of life.