BKU Ugrahan Activists Freed from Bathinda Jail, Welcomed as Heroes in Villages
In a significant development, two activists of the farmer union BKU (Ekta Ugrahan) walked out of Bathinda district jail late Friday to a hero's welcome. Their villages, Jeond and Chaoke, erupted in celebrations with firecrackers and festive gatherings to mark their return.
Long Incarceration and Charges
Shagandeep Singh, aged 38 from Jeond, and Baldev Singh, aged 54 from Chaoke, had been lodged in jail since April 5, 2025. They were finally released on February 20 after spending ten and a half months behind bars. The duo, along with several others, faced charges of attempt to murder at the Rampura Sadar police station. These charges stemmed from a clash on January 6, 2025, when BKU Ugrahan activists clashed with police while supporting protesting teachers at Adarsh School in Chaoke.
Personal Hardships During Imprisonment
During his incarceration, Shagandeep Singh experienced a profound personal loss when his mother passed away. He was granted ten days of interim bail to perform her last rites, but the family endured a heartbreaking wait. The body had to be kept in the mortuary of Rampura civil hospital for the entire period until his release. Both activists come from farming backgrounds, with Shagandeep's family owning four acres of land and Baldev Singh's family having over three acres.
Emotional Release and Village Celebrations
The release occurred around 6 PM, where hundreds of BKU Ugrahan activists, including many women, had been waiting since the afternoon. The activists were placed on an open vehicle, garlanded, and taken in a convoy to their respective villages. The convoy first stopped at Chaoke, where residents welcomed them with firecrackers and cheers. It then proceeded to Jeond, where villagers waited until 9:30 PM to receive them, lighting up the area around the Kisan Bhawan in vibrant festive colours.
Morale Boost and Future Protests
Both Shagandeep Singh and Baldev Singh expressed that the warm reception had significantly boosted their morale. They affirmed their readiness to participate in future protests, despite having spent over ten months in jail. This resilience highlights their commitment to the farmers' cause and the broader struggles they represent.
Leadership Support and Organizational Strength
BKU Ugrahan vice-president Jhanda Singh Jethuke and secretary Shingara Singh Mann, who led the convoy, praised the courage and resilience of the activists. They emphasized that such dedication keeps the organization at the forefront of farmers' struggles, reinforcing its role in advocating for agricultural rights and social justice.
