Jind: 12 cops, several activists injured

Tribune News Service

Deepender Deswal

Hisar, February 21

The farmers’ agitation took a violent turn today, leading to the death of one person and injuring several activists and about 12 police personnel at the Khanauri-Data Singh Wala border in Jind district.

A massive build-up of the farmers, many of them riding bull-dozers and heavy machinery, was witnessed at the Punjab side. In view of the large number of protesters, the police took position and issued warnings.

However, as both sides tried to build pressure, growing tension reached a flashpoint as groups of youths tried to march towards the barricades. The police, however, started using tear gas and fired rubber bullets at them.

An activist, Harshdeep Singh Gill, said after heavy shelling by the police, protesters lit paddy straw in the fields adjoining the border. Due to the wind, smoke drifted towards the police. A youth, Shubhkaran Singh of Baloke village of Bathinda, succumbed to his injuries at Rajindra Hospital in Patiala, he stated.

Gill claimed that a number of activists suffered injuries as the police resorted to firing rubber bullets and also used water cannon.

As per information, the border area turned into a battleground for nearly three-four hours after noon today. News of fatal gunshot injury further led to provocation. Additional Inspector-General (AIG), Administration, Manisha Chaudhary, said in a statement that the protesters burnt paddy straw and put chilli powder in the fire. They also hurled stones at the police and attacked securitymen with lathis and “gandasa”. About 12 policemen suffered injuries in the attack.

Due to the “poisonous” smoke, the police faced difficulties in breathing and it also resulted in poor visibility. “Due to low visibility, there is a risk of accidents on both sides and it also creates problems for the police in maintaining law and order. We urge the protesters to help the police maintain law and order,” she said.Jind SP Sumit Kumar said the situation had been brought under control. The protesters were armed with lathis fitted with barbed wires and spikes, and sharp-edged weapons.

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