Punjab CM Offers Rs 1 Cr, Govt Job To Sister Of Farmer Killed In Protest

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has announced a compensation of Rs 1 crore and a government job to a woman whose 21-year-old brother was killed amid clashes at the ongoing farmer's protest. Shubhkaran Singh, a farmer from Bathinda, was killed amid violent clashes with the police at Khanauri border point between Punjab and Haryana. The exact cause of Singh's death is not known yet as the farmers were reportedly blocking the autopsy, demanding compensation from the government. About 12 police personnel were also injured in the altercation. 

खनौरी बॉर्डर पर किसान आंदोलन के दौरान शहीद हुए शुभकरन सिंह के परिवार को पंजाब सरकार की ओर से 1 करोड़ रुपये की आर्थिक सहायता और उनकी छोटी बहन को सरकारी नौकरी दी जाएगी.. दोषियों के खिलाफ उचित कानूनी कार्रवाई की जाएगी ..फर्ज निभा रहे हैं...

— Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) February 23, 2024

Two days after the violence, Punjab CM Mann shared on social media that he would offer Rs 1 crore and a government job to the deceased farmer's younger sister. He added, "Due legal action will be taken against the culprits. The government is taking diligence."

Who Was Shubhkaran Singh?

According to a report in NDTV, Shubhkaran Singh left for Delhi to join the farmer's protest on February 13. As the protestors reached the Khanauri border eight days later, chaos ensued as the farmers charged towards the barricades, resulting in violent clashes with the police. Several officers were injured and 21-year-old Singh was killed.

Singh is survived by two sisters and his father who is battling a mental illness, according to reports. His elder sister is married, while the younger one is a student who will be offered a government job, as Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced. According to Singh's neighbours, the family is "poor" and owns about two acres of land in Bathinda.

Why Are Farmers Protesting?

The farmers are protesting as a call for several demands including a Minimum Support Price (MSP), crop insurance, and pension. These protests are led by farmer Jagjit Singh Dallewal. The recent leg of protests began on February 13, as farmers from various regions of Punjab gathered to march towards the national capital.

In an attempt to cease the farmers' efforts, the Haryana police fired teargas shells and rubber bullets, where several people were injured and one farmer, Shubhkaran Singh, was killed. The police, on their part, said that multiple policemen also suffered injuries after protesters threw stones and sticks.