Members of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) staged a dramatic siege at the office of the Deputy Commissioner in Muktsar on Tuesday. The protestors demanded a compensation package for the family of a farmer who died in a recent accident, leading to a tense standoff that trapped senior officials for hours.
Core Demands of the Protesting Farmers
The farmer union presented a set of four key demands to the district administration. They sought a financial compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the bereaved family of the deceased farmer. Additionally, they demanded a government job for one member of the family, a complete waiver of the family's debts, and proper medical treatment for another farmer who was injured in the same incident.
The agitation began as a sit-in protest outside the DC's office. According to the union leaders, they decided to escalate their action to a full siege because their demands were not being acknowledged by the authorities. This move effectively blocked entry and exit points for several hours.
Details of the Fatal Accident and Ongoing Sit-In
The protest stems from a tragic accident on November 11. Activist Harjit Singh from Kotkapura lost his life, while Balwant Singh from Nangal village was injured when their vehicle collided with a PRTC bus near Udekaran village, close to Muktsar. The two were returning from Fazilka after participating in a philanthropic mission to distribute wheat seeds to farmers affected by floods.
Shingara Singh Mann, the secretary of BKU (Ekta Ugrahan), emphasized that the activists were engaged in charitable work. He stated that the union began its sit-in protest on November 18 to seek justice for the family. "The district administration did not acknowledge our just demands," Mann said, explaining the reason for laying the siege.
Siege Lifted After 7 Hours, But Protest Continues
The blockade created a significant disruption at the district headquarters. The Additional Deputy Commissioner and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate were among the officials trapped inside their offices and could only leave after the siege was called off.
The farmers finally lifted the siege at 7 pm, ending the seven-hour-long standoff. However, they issued a stern warning to the administration. The union declared that they might lay siege to the office again if their demands remain unmet. They also announced that the original sit-in protest outside the DC office will continue indefinitely until a resolution is reached.
This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and the pressing demands of farmer groups in the Punjab region, particularly concerning support for families affected by tragedies.
