Farm leaders, part of the ‘Delhi Chalo’ agitation, have said that the cremation of 21-year-old Shubhkaran Singh, who died in clashes between Haryana Police and Punjab farmers, will not take place till the Punjab government registers a case against those responsible for it.
Subhkaran Singh, a native of Bathinda, died on Wednesday at Khanauri border point on the Punjab-Haryana border. According to the medical superintendent of Patiala-based Rajindra Hospital, Subhkaran had an injury to his head.
The development came hours after Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced a compensation of Rs 1 crore and a government job for Shubhkaran’s sister. However, his family has refused to take the ex-gratia.
“We are seeking justice for our child and it can’t be equated with money or job,” his family members said, as quoted by The Indian Express.
Speaking to reporters in Patiala, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said the Punjab CM Mann had asserted that strict action would be initiated against those responsible for Shubhkaran’s death.
“We have told the (Shubhkaran) family that it may take two days or 10 days. For us money is not important. We are demanding that an FIR be lodged and then cremation will take place,” he said and accused Punjab government officials of “pressuring” Shubhkaran’s family into agreeing to the cremation, reported PTI.
Jagjit Singh Dallewal, leader of SKM (Non-Political) that is spearheading the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march along with the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, claimed the senior superintendent of police of Bathinda has said that police could not register a case against Haryana security personnel.
“If you cannot register a case, then how can you call yourself ‘Punjab de rakhe’ (Punjab’s protector),” Dallewal asked, adding the police officer told them that if they registered a case, then Haryana security personnel would also do so.
Farmers leaders are also demanding “martyr” status for Shubhkaran Singh.