Two BKU(U) activists Shagandeep Singh Jeond, Baldev Singh Chauke released from jail amidst protests
The activists were arrested after a January 20 protest at Jeond village turned violent during land demarcation proceedings
Two days after a violent clash between farmers and police at Jeond village, and on the same day the Punjab and Haryana High Court granted bail to two incarcerated Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) activists, Shagandeep Singh Jeond and Baldev Singh Chauke, were released from Central Jail today. Their release was delayed as the court orders hadn’t reached the jail authorities earlier.
A number of farmers, including women, gathered outside the jail and welcomed them warmly. They raised slogans, announcing their agitation would continue until the FIRs against them are cancelled. Shingara Singh Mann, state secretary of the union, said, “We will oppose the cases registered against over 2,000 farmers on February 6, nearly 400 farmers on February 18, and others, seeking their cancellation.”
The farmers had assembled on February 6 and 18 to march towards Bathinda District Administrative Complex, demanding Shagandeep and Baldev’s release. The activists were arrested after a January 20 protest at Jeond village turned violent during land demarcation proceedings. A DSP and several police personnel were injured, and a Revenue Department team was allegedly held hostage. The farmers claim they were also demanding reinstatement of teachers at Adarsh School in Chauke village.
