Farmer Dies by Suicide at Shambhu Border Amid MSP Protest
Farmer dies by suicide at Shambhu border amid prolonged MSP protests, escalating tensions among demonstrators
Farmer dies by suicide at Shambhu border amid year-long MSP protests, leaders demand government action
A 55-year-old farmer, protesting at the Shambhu border between Punjab and Haryana, died by suicide on Wednesday. This marks the second such incident at the protest site within three weeks, according to PTI.
The farmer, a resident of Pahuwind village in Punjab’s Tarn Taran district, was part of the ongoing demonstrations under the banners of SKM (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. Farmers have been camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points since February 2024, demanding that the Central government guarantee minimum support prices (MSP) for their crops.
Tejvir Singh, a farmer leader, told PTI that the deceased was distressed by the lack of progress on their demands, despite months of protests. The farmer was rushed to Rajindra Hospital in Patiala but could not be saved.
The incident has intensified concerns at the protest sites. On December 18, another farmer allegedly died by suicide, reportedly upset over the deteriorating health of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal. Dallewal, 70, has been on a fast-unto-death at the Khanauri border since November 26, to press for the MSP guarantee.
Farmer leaders have warned of severe consequences if Dallewal’s health worsens further. “God forbid if anything happens to Dallewal ji, the situation may spiral out of the Central government’s control,” said farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar.
Punjab Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Mandeep Singh Sidhu confirmed that Dallewal has refused medical assistance. Meanwhile, Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the farmers’ concerns.
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“The Punjab government is deeply worried about Dallewal’s condition. I urge the Prime Minister and the Union Agriculture Minister to communicate with him. Even a telephonic conversation from the PM could help resolve the issue,” Balbir Singh told ANI.
Farmers continue to press for MSP guarantees as tensions rise at the protest sites. Leaders are calling for immediate dialogue to prevent further tragedies and to ease the difficulties faced by the common people due to the border blockades.
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