A young protesting farmer, Navdeep Singh who was applauded over social media after a video of him jumping on to police water cannon vehicle to turn it off went viral over the internet, has been charged with an attempt to murder. Singh is also under the charges of violating COVID-19 guidelines.
Several videos in connection to the farmers’ protests are getting viral over the internet in the past few days. One of the most iconic moments of this protest captured Navdeep Singh climbing on the blue water cannon vehicle of police, showering the farmers in such cold weather. He turned off the cannon and jumped back to the tractor carrying protestors.
Son of a farmer leader Jai Singh, Navdeep Singh stated, “After my studies, I started doing farming with my father who is a farm leader. I never indulged in any illegal activities and got courage from the commitment of protesting farmers to climb the vehicle and turn off the tap as it was hurting them.”
He further added, “While protesting peacefully, we were demanding a passage to Delhi but the police blocked our passage. We have all the right to question the government and protest if any anti-people laws are passed. Citizens have all the rights to protest against anti-people laws.”
Farmers have been protesting against the recently passed three contentious agricultural laws and have given a call for a “Delhi Chalo” protest march in Delhi. BJP ruled Haryana state has been criticized throughout the country for coming heavy-handed on farmers by firing tear gas and water cannon.
On Friday, the Delhi government has denied the request made by Delhi police to turn the nine stadiums into jails to keep the agitated farmers. Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government also allowed the farmers into the National capital to perform their protest peacefully while stating that it is their constitutional right.
