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The Shambhu border between Haryana and Punjab, already a symbol of the ongoing farmers’ agitation, became a site of mourning and reflection on Friday as the body of 78-year-old farmer Gyan Singh from Chachoki village in Gurdaspur district was brought here after he succumbed to a heart attack on Friday morning.
Gyan Singh had been actively participating in the protest since February 13, responding to the call for the ‘Delhi Chalo’ movement by the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. Known as an activist of Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, Gyan Singh was widely regarded as a dedicated contributor to the cause.
The tragic incident unfolded in the early hours of Friday when Gyan Singh, sleeping in a trolley along with fellow farmers at Shambhu border, reported feeling uneasy around 3 am. Despite immediate efforts to seek medical assistance, including calling an ambulance, Gyan Singh was rushed to Rajpura civil hospital and subsequently referred to Rajindra Medical College, Patiala. Regrettably, he passed away around 7.45 am at the hospital, confirmed Patiala Deputy Commissioner Showkat Ahmad Parray.
The farmer’s demise marks a tragedy in the ongoing protests which entered its fourth day on Friday. Nearly 750 farmers had lost their lives in the year-long farmers’ agitation at Delhi borders in 2020-21.
The protesting farmers, mourning the loss of Gyan Singh, have termed him the “first martyr of Delhi Morcha 2”. Expressing their grief, they emphasized the need for the Central Government to address their longstanding demands to prevent more farmers from succumbing to the struggles.
As Gyan Singh's body is kept at the Shambhu border for tributes, discussions between the district administration of Patiala and farmer leaders are ongoing to determine the duration of the stay before the final journey to his village in Gurdaspur. The incident has further fueled the demands for a resolution to the farmers' issues and a renewed focus on their well-being during the ongoing protests.
GRP Officer Also Died Of Heart Attack
In an unfortunate parallel incident, a 56-year-old Government Railway Police (GRP) officer Hira Lal, deployed near the Shambhu border, also died on Friday due to a heart attack.
Farmers to gherao houses of top BJP leaders, including Capt, Jakhar
BKU Ugrahan, one of the largest farmer unions in Punjab, has declared its solidarity with the ongoing farmer agitation. The Union head Joginder Singh Ugrahan on Friday announced their support, stating that they would actively participate in the movement.
As a part of their support, BKU Ugrahan has decided to organize dharnas outside the residences of BJP’s top leaders in Punjab. On February 17 and 18, day-night dharnas will be held outside the residences of BJP state president Sunil Jakhar in Abohar, former Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh in Patiala, and senior BJP leader Kewal Singh Dhillon in Barnala.
Additionally, the union has declared a toll-free period for two days at all toll plazas in Punjab, preventing toll staff from collecting taxes from commuters.
The move comes amidst the ongoing struggles faced by farmers in Punjab. BKU Ugrahan's decision to join the protest add significant momentum to the movement, indicating the unified stance of various farmer unions in demanding their rights and protesting against the contentious farm laws. Further decisions regarding the movement, including plans to march to Delhi, will be discussed in a meeting scheduled for Saturday.