Missing since R-Day, farmer in police custody

Gurbaxpuri

Tarn Taran, February 2

Ignoring all personal differences, residents of Sheron village here have come forward to look after the family of Sandeep Singh alias Sonu Cheema, who, besides three others from this district, had been missing since January 26.

Sandeep’s family was informed by the Alipur (Delhi) police that he was in their custody.

The three others who went mysteriously missing were Jugraj Singh and Navdeep Singh of Van Tara Singh village (Khalra), who were reportedly involved in hoisting a “kesri flag” at Red Fort, and Gurjot Singh of Talwandi Sobha Singh (Patti). The whereabouts of these three are still unknown.

Sandeep, 36, is a landless farmer and had gone to Delhi on January 20 with a convoy of Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee. His family comprises his wife, a 12-year-old son and an 8-year-old daughter.

With limited income, his family was not in the position to follow the case at a Delhi court.

Village sarpanch Satpal Singh and Dilbag Singh, a representative of a political party, were among those who visited Sandeep’s family today and assured all help.

Despite all odd circumstances, farmers of the area vowed to go to Delhi to participate in the agitation. Satpal said a jatha of farmers would leave for Delhi tomorrow.

Activists of “Sach Da Sath”, an NGO, under the leadership of Gurdev Singh took out protest marches in the area today to motivate everyone to leave for Delhi with them on February 3. They offered diesel worth Rs 5,000 if any group wanted to go to New Delhi on their own vehicle.

Meanwhile, workers of the Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) held a protest in Panjwar village today. Baljit Singh Gandiwind, district president of the organisation, condemned the Centre for its “indifferent” attitude. The farmers burnt an effigy of the Centre too.

A jatha of more than 500 farmers left for Delhi today from different villages in the district.

Landless farmer

• Sandeep, 36, is a landless farmer and had gone to Delhi on January 20 with a convoy of Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee. His family comprises his wife, a 12-year-old son and an 8-year-old daughter.
• With limited income, Sandeep’s family was not in the position to follow the case at a court in New Delhi and needed immediate financial assistance.
• Village sarpanch Satpal Singh and Dilbag Singh, a representative of a political party, were among those who visited Sandeep’s family and assured all type of help.