Farmers' protest: All about Shubhkaran Singh, the 22-year-old farmer who died at Haryana border

According to farmers, the police fired rubber bullets along with tear gas shells.

A farmer was allegedly killed during a clash with police on the Punjab-Haryana border during the Delhi Chalo 2.0 agitation on February 22.

Who was Shubhkaran Singh?

A resident of Baloke village in Bhatinda, Singh (22) had joined the protesting farmers at the Khanauri border on February 13. He owned around three acres of land and had some livestock. Shubkaran and his uncle Charanjit Singh cultivated around 20 acres on contract.

As per a report by Indian Express, Singh was raised by his grandfather after his parents got divorced. His grandmother died six years ago. Before completing his Class XII, Singh quit studies and took up the responsibility of his family, including his two sisters. “Shubkaran always stood at the forefront whenever Bhartiya Kisan Union Sidhupur called for protests or gatherings. He believed it was the responsibility of farmers to actively participate and secure their rights,” Mahinder Singh, his friend, told the newspaper.

Catch LIVE updates of the farmers' protest here.

According to reports, Singh had prepared breakfast for himself and other farmers on February 21 morning at the protest site. He reportedly urged them to eat breakfast together saying, “they might not get another chance to share a meal or sit together”.

How was he killed?

According to farmers, Singh was killed when Haryana Police were firing tear gas shells on protesters. The deceased had an injury to his head, Patiala-based Rajindra Hospital's medical superintendent H S Rekhi told the media. “"He was brought dead, and on initial examination it appears that he was hit by a bullet. We will be able to ascertain the nature of the bullet only after a post-mortem,” Rekhi said.

According to farmers, the police fired rubber bullets along with tear gas shells. Meanwhile, the Haryana police alleged that the farmers attacked security personnel with stones and sticks.

Centre’s view

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on February 22 he is committed to farmers' welfare. "Our government is committed to fulfilling every resolution related to the welfare of our farmer brothers and sisters across the country. In this context, a historic increase in the price of sugarcane purchase has been approved. This step will benefit crores of our sugarcane-producing farmers," said PM Modi.

Opposition parties react

AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal posted on X. “Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal too hit out at the Centre. "Was it for this day that we fought for independence, that one day the governments elected by us in our own country will martyr our own sons like the British? We are completely with Shubhakaran and will ensure strict punishment to his murderers," Kejriwal said.

Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal claimed Singh died due to police firing. Meanwhile, the Congress said “history will certainly demand an account of the farmers' killings”.

Taking to X, Rahul wrote, "The news of death of young farmer Shubhakaran Singh in firing on Khanauri border is heartbreaking, my condolences are with his family. Last time Modi's arrogance was accepted only after the sacrifice of more than 700 farmers, now it has again become the enemy of their lives. One day history will definitely demand an account of the 'killing of farmers' from the BJP hiding behind the friendly media #FarmerLivesMatter."