Tension escalates as Indian police open fire on farmers in Punjab; one killed, 25 injured
Chandigarh: Amid escalating tension, a 20-year-old farmer protester lost his life, and 25 others sustained injuries as Indian police fired bullets and tear gas shells on protesting farmers at the Khanauri border in Punjab, India.
According to reports from the Kashmir Media Service, the deceased, identified as Shubhkaran Singh from Baloke in Bathinda, succumbed to his injuries at Patiala’s Rajindra Hospital. The fatal shot, fired by Haryana police, struck Singh above his ear, resulting in his untimely demise.
Ten of the injured farmers were swiftly transported to nearby hospitals, while others received initial medical assistance at a makeshift camp in Shambhu. Three individuals with severe injuries were referred to Rajindra Hospital in Patiala, where farmer leaders rushed to offer support upon hearing of the critical condition of two of the injured protesters.
The confrontation escalated when Haryana police personnel deployed tear gas shells as a group of farmers attempted to breach the multi-layered barricades at the Shambhu border. This incident underscores the escalating tensions and heightened security measures at the Punjab-Haryana border amidst ongoing farmer protests.
Sangrur Civil Surgeon Dr. Kirpal Singh confirmed that one of the injured youths sustained head injuries and was urgently transferred to Rajindra Hospital for specialized medical care.
As the situation unfolds, questions regarding the handling of protests and the use of force by law enforcement agencies continue to emerge, highlighting the need for dialogue and resolution to address the grievances of the farming community.
