Another protester loses life at Singhu

Our Correspondent

Mandi Ahmedgarh, December 11

A septuagenarian farmer, who along with his other associates was protesting at Singhu border against the Central farm laws, died on the intervening night of Thursday and Friday. The deceased was identified as Bhag Singh (75) of Baddowal village in Ludhiana district.

While the exact reason behind Bhag Singh’s death would be ascertained on receipt of post-mortem report, Kisan Union leaders have alleged that he died due to the cold he caught after excessive shooting of water with high velocity by the Haryana Police.

Designating Bhag Singh with status of ‘Kisan Movement Martyr’ the union leaders demanded a compensation of Rs 10 lakh and a job for his kin, besides waiver of institutional and private loans.

Rajinder Singh Lalton, a Punjab Roadways Union leader, and Master Jasdev Singh said Bhag Singh had been feeling unwell after being shot by water cannons by the Haryana Police when their jatha was heading towards Singhu border. “Though we had asked Bhag Singh to return home, he insisted on continuing his participation in the morcha till the farm laws were withdrawn. He kept motivating his fellow protesters till late Thursday.” Leaders said Bhag Singh had been playing a leading role in social welfare events being undertaken by his village residents from time to time.