Farm groups have called for a nationwide ‘Black Friday’ protest today, February 23, in the wake of the death of a young farmer during a clash with the Haryana Police on the Punjab-Haryana border.
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha, the umbrella body which led the farmers’ stir against three farm laws, has extended its support to the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march and pledged to mobilise farmers nationwide with a slew of programmes in support of its demands.
Meanwhile, the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march remains on hold for two days after the protesting farmer’s death. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher, who is spearheading the protest, said they will decide the next course of action on Friday evening.
Here are the top developments in the farmers’ protest:
The SKM has demanded that a murder case be registered against Haryana’s Chief Minister and Home Minister, holding them responsible for 21-year-old Subhkaran Singh’s death amid the protests. The leaders have demanded Rs 1 crore in compensation for the family of the deceased farmer and called for a judicial inquiry into the incident by a Supreme Court judge.
The SKM announced the observation of a ‘Black Day’ across India. Effigies of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Haryana Chief Minister Khattar, and Home Minister Vij will be burned as a symbol of protest, it said. It also called for both Khattar and Vij to resign from their positions.
In a show of solidarity and strength, farmers will take out tractor marches on highways on February 26. The All India All Kisan Mazdoor Mahapanchayat is scheduled to be held at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi on March 14, aiming to unite farmers across the country under a common cause.