Farmers Movement Archive

Killing unnerves Singhu border residents further

NEW DELHI: After a man was found killed at Kundli near the site where the farmers are sitting in protest at Singhu border, an uneasy calm prevailed there on Friday. There were fewer people milling around and only a few shops were open, fewer buyers still. The damaged police barricade on which the body of the man was propped up still lay at a roadside corner in the evening. The usual gaggle of people were present at the incident site, animatedly talking about the killing of the man whose hand had been chopped off before the body was tied to the metal barricade. The incident has unnerved the local residents. Praveen, who works in a garage, said, “Our work was already hampered by the protest and now this incident has caused more insecurity." Sadhu Ram, also a garage worker, chipped in, “We check the newspaper every morning with the hope that the government has come up with a resolution and this protest will end, but nothing has happened," Meanwhile, a forensic team along reached the spot with police personnel and scoured the area near the stage where the farmer's protest is centred. After 10 minutes of searching, they held discussions with a small group of protestors, including Nihang Sikhs, accused of being behind the killing. The local residents are not convinced that the farmers had nothing to do with the man’s death. They recalled that around 15 days ago, a labourer named Raju was thrashed by a group of protestors after an argument. One local alleged, “It was a petty issue and should have been solved through talks. Instead, the protesters beat the poor guy.” Praveen added, “They try to dominate the streets and if someone in the vehicle asks them to let them through, they threaten, ‘Bahut jaldi jaane ki hain (you want to leave Earth early)? They always threaten people.” Undeterred, from 2.30pm to 3.30pm, a group of Nihang Sikhs performed their usual daily rituals. Before dispersing, they tied two horses at the barricade where the man’s body had been found. According to the local business owners, travelling at night in the area is now uncertain. “After this incident, we will think whether we should walk around at night,” said Gulu, a local. Meanwhile, the farmers themselves were holding meetings among themselves to discuss the repercussions of the incident. Some talked about the video of the gruesome incident. They are determined not to let the latest circumstances derail their protest against the three central farm laws. On Friday, there were a number of them sitting determinedly near the protest dais, listening to speakers on the podium criticising the central government and motivating the protesters who have occupied the border since November last year. Watch Singhu border killing: Nihang member held for brutal lynching

The Times of India

2021-10-16

Delhi