Farmer Who Attempted Suicide at Shambhu Border Dies in Patiala Hospital

Farmers from SKM (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have been protesting at Shambhu and Khanauri border points since February 13, 2024.

A 55-year-old farmer, protesting at the Shambhu border between Punjab and Haryana, has allegedly died by suicide, according to reports from PTI. This tragic incident marks the second suicide at the protest site within the past three weeks, highlighting the ongoing distress among the farmers involved in the protest.

The farmer, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, was part of the group of farmers from SKM (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha who have been camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points since February 13, 2024, demanding various agricultural reforms and addressing issues such as crop prices and debt relief.

The incident has raised concerns about the mental health and well-being of protesting farmers, as they continue to endure long-term hardships during their ongoing demonstrations. Authorities are investigating the matter, and the protest leaders have expressed their grief over the loss, with many calling for more support for the farmers involved in the protests.

The Shambhu border has become a focal point of the farmers’ fight for their rights, and this latest tragedy only amplifies the growing tensions and emotional toll of the prolonged protests.

According to the report, the farmer, a resident of Pahuwind in Punjab’s Tarn Taran district, took his own life at the Shambhu border, where farmers have been protesting for nearly a year. The ongoing protests have primarily been demanding a guarantee for the minimum support price (MSP) for crops from the Centre.

Tejvir Singh, another farmer leader, informed PTI that the farmer had been distressed by the Centre’s failure to address the issues despite the prolonged protests. After the incident, the farmer was rushed to the Rajindra Hospital in Patiala, where he was later pronounced dead.

This tragic event has deepened the concerns over the mental and emotional strain faced by the farmers involved in the protests. The protest at Shambhu border continues to highlight the farmers’ struggles as they press for a resolution to their demands.

On December 18, another farmer had allegedly died by suicide, reportedly due to the emotional distress caused by the deteriorating health of 70-year-old farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal. Dallewal, who has been on a fast-unto-death since November 26 at the Khanauri border, is a key figure in the farmers’ protest. The farmer’s tragic decision to take his life further underscores the toll that the prolonged protests and the intense pressure over unresolved demands have taken on the mental health of many involved.

The loss of life at both protest sites reflects the deep frustration and despair felt by the farmers, who continue to demand the Centre’s intervention to resolve issues like the guarantee of minimum support prices (MSP) for their crops.

On Tuesday, farmer leaders issued a stark warning, expressing concerns about the potential consequences if something were to happen to Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a fast-unto-death since November 26 at the Khanauri border.

Farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar, in an interview with PTI, said, “God forbid if anything untoward happens to Dallewal ji, then perhaps the situation may not remain under the control of the Central government.” This statement reflects the heightened tensions and the fragile state of the protest, with the farmers urging immediate action from the government to address their demands, particularly regarding the minimum support price (MSP) for crops and other agricultural issues.

On Monday, a Supreme Court-appointed High-Powered Committee met with farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a fast-unto-death since November 26. Despite the meeting, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Patiala, Mandeep Singh Sidhu, revealed that Dallewal had refused medical assistance.

In response to the critical situation, Punjab’s Health Minister, Balbir Singh, urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to directly intervene and speak with Dallewal. Speaking to ANI, Singh said, “Punjab government is worried about his health condition… I appeal to the PM and the Union Agriculture Minister to talk to him… Even if the Prime Minister converses with him telephonically, then, also, the entire problem will be solved. The border of Punjab will also reopen. Common people have been facing difficulties.”

The appeal highlights the urgency of resolving the situation, as the ongoing protest at the border has created significant hardship for local residents.

Courtesy: India Today

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