Shambhu/Chandigarh, February 21

A 20-year-old protester was killed while 25 others were injured on Wednesday after the Haryana police fired rubber bullets and lobbed tear gas shells on the protesting farmers at Khanauri border.

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According to officials, the deceased identified as Shubhkaran Singh of Baloke in Bathinda succumbed to his injuries at Patiala’s Rajindra hospital. He was allegedly hit by a rubber bullet.

As per initial reports, a bullet entered his head from above his ear.

Ten of the injured farmers were rushed to hospital, while others got first aid at the makeshift medical camp at Shambhu.

Three of the injured farmers were referred to Rajindra Hospital, Patiala.

Sangrur Civil surgeon Dr Kirpal Singh said a youth sustained injuries in the head and has been referred to Rajindra Hospital.

Currently, the firing of tear gas shells has been stopped.

Meanwhile, the farmer leaders rushed to the Rajindra hospital after reports of two of the farmers receiving critical injuries at Khanauri.

Tear gas shells were fired by Haryana security personnel after some farmers were heading towards the multi-layered barricades at the Shambhu border on Wednesday.

Earlier, Dallewal and Pandher said the protesting farmers, who have been camping at two border points between Punjab and Haryana after they were stopped by security personnel, will march towards Delhi in a peaceful manner.

The farmer leaders also urged the Central government to remove barricades and blockades at the Shambhu border and allow the farmers to march peacefully to Delhi. 

“We are ready to die and be shot in the interest of the farmers of the country as it is now not a fight for farmers from Punjab but of the whole nation,” the leaders said.

“If any standoff happens… it can turn ugly, as farmers are adamant to reach Delhi and we will only proceed peacefully. But if they open fire at us or use force; then whatever happens will be the responsibility of those who had put up these barricades,” they added.17:24 21 FebFissures in farmer unions as 2 main unions blame morcha leaders for farmer’s death

All India Kisan Federation chief Prem Singh Bhangu and Bhartiya Kisan union chief Balbir singh Rajjewal said the death of the young farmer is due to the incompetence of the union leaders leading the mob at the Dilli Chalo morcha.

“While the government is wrong in using force, the union leaders are equally responsible for misleading the youngsters,” they said.

Fissures in farmer unions as two main unions blamed morcha leaders for the farmer’s death.16:47 21 FebSamyukta Kisan Morcha calls a meeting on Thursday

Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait says, “This movement will continue, a solution can be found only through dialogue… The SKM will meet tomorrow and decide what to do.”16:37 21 FebShambhu tense as farmer leaders announce to enter Haryana.

Following protests after the death of a young farmer, Shambhu is tense as farmer leaders Dallewal and Pandher announce to enter Haryana.

Clashes between cops and farmers escalate as more tear gas shells fired.15:54 21 Feb20-year-old protester died after sustaining injuries

The deceased identified as Shubhkaran Singh of Baloke in Bathinda succumbed to his injuries at Patiala’s Rajindra hospital. He was allegedly hit by a rubber bullet.

15:35 21 FebPunjab Police request Haryana not to use force on farmershttps://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1760229054077088142&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tribuneindia.com%2Fnews%2Fpunjab%2Ffarmers-protest-live-will-march-towards-delhi-peacefully-says-farmer-leader-jagjit-singh-dallewal-593092&sessionId=0998e279421052f5d98cee0030103fe5edb9aaf2&siteScreenName=%26via%3Dthetribunechd&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px

15:26 21 FebFarmer leader Dallewal rushes to Rajindra Hospital

Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal rushed to the Rajindra Hospital to inquire about the injured farmer.

“If in case the news about his death is confirmed, then there is no point talking to the Central Government. We were holding talks with some officials when we got this information. We are going to inquire and then comment,” he said on reported death of a farmer.15:19 21 FebOne farmer referred to Patiala hospital

Sangrur Civil surgeon Dr Kirpal Singh says a 26-year-old youth sustained injuries in the head and has been referred to Rajindra Hospital, Patiala.15:18 21 Feb26 injured as police fire tear gas, rubber bullets

At least 26 farmers have been injured, after Haryana Police fired rubber bullets and lobbed tear gas shells, at Khanauri border.13:46 21 FebTear gas shells continue on farmers

Tear gas shells continue on farmers as many are still standing near barricades.

They are being thrown by drones and also fired by Haryana Police personnel.13:00 21 FebBKU (Ekta-Ugrahan) supports farmer unions’ decision to reject Central Govt’s offer

Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta-Ugrahan) supports protesting farmer unions’ decision to reject Central Government’s offer of giving 5 years MSP through contract farming to those who sow five crops instead of cultivating paddy and wheat.12:52 21 FebCentral Govt says ready to hold fifth round of talks with farmers

Government ready to hold 5th round of talks with protesting farmers, says Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda12:07 21 FebPunjab to write to Haryana counterpart over sudden use of tear gas shells

Punjab Police likely to write to Haryana counterpart over sudden use of tear gas shells when the farmer leaders were only giving speeches, and had not started moving towards the barricades.

“It was a sudden attack on the farmers”, said Patiala Range DIG HS Bhullar.11:47 21 FebCompete chaos as more tear gas shells fired

Some farmers fell while trying to escape the tear gas shells, while youngsters take cover behind the boulders placed by police.11:45 21 FebTear gas shells fired at protesting farmers

Haryana Police lob tear gas shells on protesting farmers. A dozen of shells landed on Punjab side.11:12 21 FebHaryana Police urge farmers to not use tractor-trailers11:05 21 FebPunjab Police restrict movement of traffic towards Shambhu

Punjab Police officials have restricted the movement of traffic towards Shambhu now.

Except vehicles of farmers, all other vehicles are being diverted from near Rajpura.10:59 21 FebPunjab govt tried to impress upon union leaders not to use excess force as it could lead to retaliation from Haryana side

Fearing action in Haryana, Punjab Govt tells protesters to show restraint10:51 21 FebBKU (Tikait) warns ongoing agitation could surpass duration of previous protest

Farmers’ agitation may be longer this time: Rakesh Tikait10:48 21 FebHigh Court observes that tractor-trailers could not ply on highways under provisions of Motor Vehicles Act

Tractor-trailers can’t ply on highways: Punjab and Haryana High Court10:41 21 FebHospitals put on alert in Patiala, Mohali

Hospitals have been put on alert in Patiala, Mohali and Fatehgarh Sahib in wake of a likely clash between the farmer unions and Haryana Police personnel.10:35 21 FebSituation tense at Shambhu, Punjab officials hold meeting with farm leaders

Situation is tense as large number of farmers have started gathering at the Shambhu border.

The farm leaders are holding a discussion with the Punjab government officials.10:16 21 FebTraffic disrupted on Delhi-Gurugram, several other roads

Traffic has also been hit on Delhi-Gurugram, Delhi-Bahadurgarh and several other roads after heavy deployment of police to ensure law and order.10:11 21 FebMulti-layered barricades of concrete, iron nails at Delhi-Haryana border points

The two border points of Delhi and Haryana – Tikri and Singhu – are sealed with the heavy deployment of police personnel and paramilitary forces and multi-layered barricades of concrete and iron nails.

Two lanes of the Ghazipur border have also been shut with multi-layer barricades and police personnel.10:08 21 FebSecurity beefed up in Delhi, borders

The Delhi Police has beefed up security in the national capital and directed its personnel to ensure strict vigil at Tikri, Singhu and Ghazipur borders.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (outer) Jimmy Chiram says there is sufficient deployment of the force, besides paramilitary personnel, at the Delhi-Haryana borders.10:02 21 FebSecurity tightened at Shambhu border

Amid heavy deployment by Haryana, Punjab has also deputed hundreds of police personnel at the Shambhu border to ensure law and order.09:55 21 FebFarmer leaders expected to reach Shambhu border around 10:30 am

Farmer leaders are expected to reach the Shambhu border around 10:30 am and address the protesting farmers ahead of the ‘Dilli Chalo’ march.

The Tribune News Service brings you the latest news, analysis and insights from the region, India and around the world. Follow the Tribune News Service for a wide-ranging coverage of events as they unfold, with perspective and clarity.

Gian Singh is the first farmer who died in this year’s ‘Dilli Chalo’ farmers’ protest

Tribune Web Desk

Chandigarh, February 16

A 63-year-old farmer from Punjab’s Gurdaspur district, who was protesting at the Shambhu border near Haryana’s Ambala, died on Friday morning.

Gian Singh is said to have died of heart attack.

He complained of chest pain in the morning and was taken to the Civil Hospital in Punjab’s Rajpura. From there, he was rushed to Rajindra Hospital in Patiala, where doctors declared him brought dead, they said.

He is the first farmer who died in this year’s farmer protest.

Protest demonstrations by hundreds of farmers, who are marching from Haryana and Punjab, are going on at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders ever since.

Farmers began the march on Tuesday.

A third round of talks between protesting farmers and the government on Thursday remained inconclusive. The next round of talks would be held on Sunday.

Havildar Varinder Singh, of the Indian Army’s Sikh Regiment, has been honoured with the Vishisht Seva Medal by President Droupadi Murmu for his remarkable contribution in developing a ‘Multipurpose Octocopter’. This versatile drone, designed by Singh, is capable of surveillance operations, grenade dropping, engaging aerial targets with weapons, and logistics operations.

Havildar Varinder Singh, a member of the Sikh Regiment in the Indian Army, has been awarded the prestigious Vishisht Seva Medal by President Droupadi Murmu for his outstanding contribution in developing a ‘Multipurpose Octocopter,’ an official statement revealed.

The ‘Multipurpose Octocopter,’ crafted by Singh, is a highly versatile drone designed not only for surveillance operations but also for executing various tasks such as grenade dropping, engaging aerial targets using weapons like the AK-47, and handling logistics operations.

Singh expressed his confidence that the ‘Multipurpose Octocopter’ will prove to be a valuable asset for the Indian Army. He highlighted its dual role as a surveillance tool and a weapon drone, emphasizing its ability to target enemies with precision using a four-hand grenade MGM rifle.

Indian Army officials acknowledged Havildar Varinder Singh’s remarkable achievement, stating, “For his accomplishments, Havildar Varindar Singh has been awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal by the President of India this year.”

The Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM), a distinguished decoration in the Indian Armed Forces, is conferred to recognize distinguished service of a high order. Crafted from bronze and adorned with a golden ribbon featuring three dark blue stripes, the VSM is awarded to personnel at all levels in the Indian Armed Forces. Instituted on January 26, 1960, as VSM Class-III, it was later renamed on January 27, 1967, with provisions for posthumous conferral.

http://dhunt.in/SRDtZ

New Delhi, Feb 14 (PTI) The CBI on Wednesday arrested the officer in-charge of the Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) polyclinic in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr for allegedly demanding a monthly bribe of Rs 1 lakh for facilitating “smooth functioning” of medical services for the veterans in associated hospitals, officials said.

Accused Ashok Kumar Sharma was arrested in a trap operation conducted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) when he was receiving the first instalment of Rs 80,000 from a businessman whose firm was providing services related to the medical treatment of ECHS beneficiaries at four hospitals in Bulandshahr on outsourcing basis.

In his complaint, the businessman accused Sharma of mounting pressure on him to cough up the bribe saying or else, he would create problems for him, the officials said.After arresting Sharma, the federal agency conducted searches at his Greater Noida residence, they added.

Panel of 3 union ministers to hold talks with farmer leaders in Chandigarh this evening

Tribune Web Desk

Chandigarh, February 15

A panel of three Union ministers will hold a meeting with protesting farmer leaders in Chandigarh on Thursday for another round of talks amid the ongoing standoff between the agitators and security personnel at the Punjab-Haryana border.

This will be the third round of talks between the two sides: the previous two rounds of dialogue on February 8 and 12 remained inconclusive.

Farmers from Punjab are camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders of Punjab and Haryana seeking to march towards Delhi to press the Centre to accept their demands.

The farmer leaders said they would not make any fresh attempt to move towards the national capital till the meeting is held.https://ee35a9ee977750e30d9d9929dd61fbcc.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html16:30 15 FebFarmer leader Gurnam Singh Charuni announces new agitation plans in Haryana

Gurnam Singh Charuni said Haryana toll plazas will be made ‘free’ for 3 hours on February 16.

He also announced a tractor parade in every tehsil of the state on February 17, and a joint meeting of all farmers’ organisations on February 18.16:20 15 FebFarm leaders arrive in Chandigarh for talks with Central team

Chandigarh: Farm leaders Jagjit Singh Dallewal, Sarwan Singh Pandher and Jarnail Singh arrive for talks with the Central team at Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration in Sector 26.

The meeting with three-member team of Union ministers Arjun Munda, Piyush Goyal and Nityanand Rai is to begin at 5 pm.15:49 15 FebSome trains diverted

Some trains on the Delhi-Amritsar route were diverted after farmers squatted on tracks at many places in Punjab over the Haryana Police’s action against protesters.15:37 15 FebBKU (Charuni) extends support to the agitating farmers

Gurnam Singh after holding a meeting of office-bearers of his union announced to extend support to the agitating farmers and hold peaceful protests in Haryana. Kurukshetra: Bhartiya Kisan Union (Charuni) Gurnam Singh after holding a meeting of office-bearers of his union announced to extend support to the agitating farmers and hold peaceful protests in Haryana.13:38 15 FebFarmers allege use of artillery by Haryana police12:50 15 FebShahkot toll plaza in Jalandhar12:41 15 FebLadhowal, Azizpur toll plazas12:33 15 FebToll plazas made free12:23 15 FebBathinda-Amabala railway track blocked10:56 15 Feb30,000 tear gas shells ordered10:31 15 FebCalm and peace on Day 3 of farm protest09:29 15 Feb3rd round of talks09:26 15 Feb‘We should be allowed to protest peacefully’: Pandher08:57 15 FebBorder sealed with barricades08:54 15 FebProtests at toll plazas08:51 15 Feb‘Rail roko’ in Punjab today

About The AuthorTribune Web Desk

The Tribune Web Desk brings you the latest news, analysis and insights from the region, India and around the world. Follow the Tribune Wed Desk for not just breaking news stories but wide-ranging coverage of events.

Harjap Singh Aujla

Bikram Singh Grewal, a former chief engineer in the Public Works Department (PWD, buildings and roads branch), Punjab, passed away at the age of 100 on December 31, 2023. He was born in Lalton Kalan village of Ludhiana district on February 15, 1923. Exceptionally good in studies, he passed the matriculation examination conducted by the University of Punjab, Lahore, in the first division.

Grewal got admission in Khalsa College, Amritsar, in the non-medical stream. After getting the FSc (fellow of science) diploma, he applied for admission in MacLagan College of Engineering, Lahore. This was the only engineering college in north-western India at that time. He passed out in 1943 as a graduate in civil engineering. A year later, he was recruited as a subdivisional engineer (SDE) in the PWD. His first posting was at Narowal (which is a district headquarters now) in Sialkot district of Lahore division. As an SDE, he travelled on a bicycle to inspect building and road projects. About six years later, he was promoted as an executive engineer. Two of the oldest wings of Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh — a successor to MacLagan College of Engineering, Lahore — were built under his supervision when he was the executive engineer, Ropar.

During his postings in Amritsar and Patiala, he oversaw the construction of two wings each of the government medical colleges in both cities. While posted in Hisar, he got a wing of the medical college constructed. After the creation of Haryana in November 1966, he was transferred to Punjab.

By the time he became a superintending engineer, he had gained a reputation as a scrupulously honest, no-nonsense officer. On several occasions, the corrupt elements in his department joined hands to wage a persistent propaganda war against him. Undeterred by the activities of his detractors, Grewal stood firm on his lofty principles. Eventually, all conspiracies against him collapsed like a house of cards and he became popular as an officer with impeccable integrity.

In 1971, Grewal was promoted to the rank of chief engineer. He served on this post for a decade before retiring in 1981. A fitness freak, he was a keen golfer who used to play at the Chandigarh Golf Club six days a week. A year ago, the Punjab Engineering College Old Students’ Association honoured him with the lifetime achievement award, which he amply deserved. He was the chief engineer when I was serving as the executive engineer (works) in the PWD in Patiala. It was a privilege to work under him. Grewal lived life to the fullest. We should celebrate his life rather than mourning his loss.

The PLA is continuing with its ‘nibbling’ tactics, evident from the clash with graziers in Chushul.

Maj Gen GG Dwivedi (retd)

Former Defence Attaché to China

MEDIA reports about China moving its nationals into villages along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and Ladakhi herders confronting soldiers of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) sum up the state of affairs on the frontline. The prolonged standoff in Ladakh remains a security concern, even as it has been reported that Indian and Chinese troops were involved in skirmishes between September 2021 and November 2022.

Last month, Chief of Army Staff Gen Manoj Pande described the situation on the LAC as ‘stable but sensitive’. The impasse is entirely of China’s making, consequent to the PLA undertaking incursions in May 2020 in Pangong Tso, Gogra-Hot Springs, Galwan and Depsang areas of Ladakh so as to unilaterally change the status of the LAC. Considering the magnitude of the intrusions, it was obvious that the operation was approved by the Central Military Commission, China’s apex defence body headed by the President. The PLA’s hostile action, violating a series of bilateral border agreements, had taken India’s politico-military leadership by surprise, given that the strategic guidance mechanism put in place by PM Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping had apparently been working well.

The Indian Army’s swift counter-deployment was aimed at restoring the status quo. However, having gained initial advantage, the PLA was in no mood to budge. It was only after India secured the Kailash Range in August 2020 that forced the Chinese to negotiate. Thereon, as a sequel to 20 rounds of military commanders talks alongside politico-diplomatic initiatives, the opposing forces have disengaged in three of the five contested areas; the Chinese have refused to yield ground in Depsang and Demchok.

The process of disengagement has come with new protocols, wherein erstwhile patrolling points (PPs) on the LAC — depicting the extent of patrolling limits — have now been replaced by ‘buffer zones’. Of the 65 PPs astride the LAC in Ladakh, 26 are now inaccessible, an aspect which has been flagged by the local police authorities in Leh during security review meetings. In the absence of de-escalation, the ground situation remains tense, with both sides deploying around 50,000 troops each. Clashes between the Indian Army and the PLA in the eastern sector (Arunachal-Tibet border) came to light when the citations for gallantry awards were read out during the investiture ceremonies held recently.

The PLA is continuing with its ‘nibbling’ tactics, evident from the clash with graziers in Kakjung area of Nyoma in Chushul. The herders were intercepted at the PPs 35-37 in Dungti village by over a dozen PLA personnel, escorted by three armoured vehicles. Chushul councillor Konchok Stanzin, who posted a video of the incident on social media, said the livelihood of locals had been taken away in the name of creating ‘buffer zones’.

The PLA’s grand design can be gauged from the massive military infrastructure development along the LAC in recent years. Major projects include twin bridges over Pangong Tso; a second national highway, G 695, through Aksai Chin; and the Nyingchi-Lhasa-Xigaze railway line (planned to be further extended to Gyirong and Burang, close to the Nepalese border). All airports in Tibet have been upgraded.

Further, the PLA is in the process of transforming Tibet into a formidable defence shield, in keeping with the directions of President Xi. To this end, 628 ‘well-off villages’ (Xiaokang) have been constructed; around a third of these are located in close proximity to the LAC. These dwellings are likely to act as the first line of defence; understood to be ‘dual use infrastructure’ — for both civil and military purposes.

Additionally, the ‘New Defence Law’ was enacted in 2021 to ensure better ‘civil-military fusion’. A year later, the ‘Border Defence Law’ was passed; it entails marking the borders with a view to consolidating control over the occupied areas. Giving Mandarin names to places in Arunachal Pradesh (Zangnan) and the Indian Ocean Region is part of China’s ‘Three Warfare Strategy’ to legitimise its claims.

China has deliberately downplayed the border issue to safeguard its economic interests and international image. As per China’s Charge d’Affaires Ma Jia, trade between the two countries reached a record $136.2 billion in 2023 (it was $135.8 billion in 2022, with a deficit of $73 billion in China’s favour). It is evident that Beijing has succeeded in delinking the border issue from economic ties despite New Delhi’s stance that the bilateral relations cannot be normal unless the boundary dispute is resolved.

Ladakh is faced with a two-front threat — Pakistan on the west and China on the east. Hence, a well-defined border defence strategy is an imperative — it is no longer just an option. The current mechanism of border management, with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police as the lead agency under the Ministry of Home Affairs, merits a holistic review. Our Vibrant Villages Programme must be integrated into the overall security plans. As civil-military cooperation is the key to effective defence, the grievances of the Ladakhi people must be addressed on priority. Political instability in this vulnerable border region will seriously impinge on national security.

Given the Dragon’s expansionist push, it is apparent that the situation on the LAC will remain sensitive. As de-escalation is unlikely in the near future, periodic skirmishes are set to be the new normal — a semblance of the ‘armed co-existence’ scenario of the early 1960s. At the strategic level, the situation may be perceived to be stable as the PLA is unlikely to undertake major operations, having already achieved its aim. However, China will continue to upgrade its military capabilities to maintain its operational edge and keep up the pressure on the border to serve its geopolitical interests.