Farmers’ demonstration: Punjab BJP seeks ‘restraint from govt, security forces’ as anger over death at protest site grows

While the Centre plans its next move to negotiate with the protesting farmers, BJP leaders in Punjab have been increasingly breaking their silence on the matter, voicing their support and making attempts to bring the farmers’ concerns to the Union government’s attention.

The move by the leaders comes amidst the crackdown by the BJP-led Haryana government on the protesting farmers, to prevent them from making their way to Delhi as part of their agitation. The death of a 22-year-old, Shubhkaran Singh, in injuries received during the protests has further complicated matters for the party.

On Friday, as farmer unions leading the march declared a “black day” over the death, Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar, who has been attacking the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government over the protests, shared his condolences on the incident and indirectly criticised the Haryana government.

Calling Shubhkaran’s death “very painful”, Jakhar demanded a thorough investigation. “I demand strictest action against those responsible to prevent recurrence of such (a) mishap again because there are thousands of our Shubhkarans at (the) protest site even today. Both sides must remember,” he said.

Tragic death of young Shubhkaran Singh is very painful. My deepest sympathies are with his family and whole of Punjab today stands with them. A thorough investigation must lead to who is responsible for his death and truth must come out. I demand strictest action against those…

— Sunil Jakhar (@sunilkjakhar) <a href=«https://twitter.com/sunilkjakhar/status/1760907906189566371?ref_src=» https: class="" rel=«nofollow, noopener» target="_blank">February 23, 2024

Jakhar added that “governments and security forces must observe restraint and sensitivity to allow peaceful