Several farmers leaders were on August 21 detained in Punjab, a day ahead of a slated demonstration by farmers unions from flood-ravaged States of north India. They are seeking immediate flood-relief compensation.
Farmers from across the State have begun marching towards Chandigarh to participate in the demonstration. In Sangrur’s Longowal village, police personnel and farmers clashed after an attempt to breach a police barricade. One farmer later succumbed to his injuries.
The police said farmers associated with BKU Azad Union were marching towards Badbar Toll Plaza on Barnala-Sangrur National Highway to establish a picket when police attempted to stop them. “When barricades were breached and tractor trolleys began moving forward the police tried to stop them but they pressed on. An Inspector was nearly caught under a tractor trolley. The same trolley ran over an old farmer Pritam Singh who was serious injured. He died during treatment,” said Sangrur’s Senior Superintendent of Police Surendra Lamba.
