THE NEWS FREEDOM
CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 21
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed deep shock and outrage over the death of young farmer Shubhkaran Singh during clashes with Haryana police and pledged to ensure “exemplary punishment” for those responsible. Mann, in a video message, condemned the incident as a “gruesome murder” and accused the Union and Haryana governments of high-handedness in dealing with protesting farmers. He said he witnessed the video of Singh’s death, claiming it showed the youth peacefully exercising his democratic right.
“An FIR will be registered against those responsible, and I assure you they will face exemplary punishment,” Mann declared. He also announced social and economic assistance for Singh’s family.
The Chief Minister further alleged the death stemmed from the Centre’s failure to address farmers’ demands and Haryana’s forceful measures to stop their march. He said he mediated talks but accused the Centre of lacking seriousness, leading to the situation’s escalation.
“The farmers were merely seeking to lodge their peaceful protest in the national capital,” Mann emphasized. “Instead, they were met with force and denied their democratic right.” He termed it an “insult” to farmers who contributed significantly to national food security.
Mann criticized the Centre for ignoring farmers’ issues for three years since the last meeting in January 2021. He accused them of prioritizing toppling democratically elected governments and neglecting the common man’s welfare.
Despite acknowledging the economic impact on Punjab, the Chief Minister defended his efforts to mediate and blamed the Centre’s “non-seriousness” for the current situation. He reiterated that Punjab faced no law and order issues, contrasting it with Haryana’s use of force against peaceful protestors.
Mann detailed the state government’s efforts to provide medical assistance to agitating farmers, including deploying ambulances and medical personnel. He appealed for restraint and patience, urging protestors to follow the teachings of Sikh Gurus in facing the “oppression.”
Regarding rumors of President’s rule, Mann declared his readiness to step down if needed and warned the Centre against intimidation tactics. He emphasized serving the people and state remains his priority.