Farmers Stage Protest March in Bathinda Over Delayed Release of Activists
Members of the farmer organisation BKU (Ekta Ugrahan) held a protest march in Gobindpura village, Bathinda, after waiting for hours for bail orders to reach the local jail. The demonstration followed a delay in the release of activists Shagandeep Singh and Baldev Singh, who had been granted bail by the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Wednesday.
Bail Granted but Release Postponed
A bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court granted bail to both activists on Wednesday, raising hopes for their release by Thursday evening. However, the farm organisation's members returned disappointed as the release was delayed by another day due to the bail orders not reaching jail officials in time.
Shagandeep Singh and Baldev Singh were arrested on January 6, 2025, following a confrontation with police. They secured bail after spending over 10 months in custody. The delay in their release sparked frustration among supporters, leading to the protest march.
Recent Confrontations and Police Action
The farm organisation and police had another faceoff on Wednesday when farmers attempted to move towards Bathinda for a protest. Police stopped them in Jeond village and used tear gas shells to disperse the crowd, escalating tensions in the region.
Organisation Leaders Voice Discontent
BKU Ekta Ugrahan senior vice president Jhanda Singh Jethuke and secretary Shingara Singh Mann expressed their disappointment. "Hundreds of activists, including women members, assembled at Bathinda jail, hoping both would be released upon completion of legal formalities," they said. "However, as the bail orders did not reach the jail officials, they returned in the evening and will assemble outside the jail in even bigger numbers on Friday."
Activist Highlights Broader Issues
Activist Harinder Kaur Bindu criticized the state government, stating it has "unmasked its anti-farmer face by committing repression against the farmers." She emphasized their determination to fight oppressive moves and continue the struggle until tillers from Jeond village secure ownership rights.
The protest underscores ongoing tensions between farmer groups and authorities in Punjab, with activists vowing to escalate their demonstrations if the release is further delayed.
