Farmer leader suffers heart attack at Khanauri Border; 2nd time within 20 days
PTC Web Desk: Farmer leader Baldev Singh Sirsa suffered a heart attack at the Khanauri border amid the ongoing farmers’ protest marking one year of agitation over demands, including legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops. He was immediately rushed to Rajindra Hospital in Patiala. This is the second heart attack he has suffered within 20 days; earlier, he received treatment but continued to participate in the protest.
Meanwhile, another farmer leader, Charanjit Singh Kala, who was injured in a road accident caused by a stray animal, succumbed to his injuries at PGI Chandigarh. The 48-year-old farmer leader belonged to the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta Sidhupur) and is survived by his 19-year-old son and 21-year-old daughter.
At Khanauri border, where the protest entered its second year, farmers gathered in large numbers for the Mahapanchayat scheduled for today. Although farmer leader jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a hunger strike for 78 days, will address the gathering, his deteriorating health will prevent him from appearing on stage.
Simultaneously, a meeting called by the SKM is underway in Chandigarh to discuss unity between the Shambhu and Khanauri protest sites. Leaders from the Shambhu border are attending, but representatives from the Khanauri protest have declined, citing their commitment to the Mahapanchayat.
The farmers' movement, dubbed “Protest 2.0,” is centered on 13 key demands, including a legal guarantee for MSP. Farmers are preparing for a crucial meeting with the Central Government on February 14 in Chandigarh. If discussions fail, they have threatened to march to Delhi on February 25.
Besides, the Shambhu border protest site is preparing for a Mahapanchayat on February 13. Today, the site will also observe the birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas, led by farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher.
- PTC NEWS
