LUDHIANA: Bhag Singh, 76, had left for Singhu border from Baddowal village in his tractor trolley while promising his family members that he would return only after attaining victory for farmers. But on Friday, only his body reached his village. Bhag Singh died at PGI Rohtak after suffering a heart attack at the dharna site near Singhu border.
Amarjot Singh, former sarpanch and numbardar of the village, said on November 26, Bhag Singh had started towards Delhi and after remaining at the protest site, he had returned on December 1. He said on December 4, he along with his son Raghuvir Singh and 19-year-old grandson Jasmeet Singh had again left for the dharna site.
Bhag Singh at Dharna site before his death
"On Thursday, he had some heart-related problem and was taken to a local healthcare centre where they kept him for an hour or two before referring him to PGI Rohtak. But at around 12.30am on Friday, he breathed his last," said the former sarpanch.
Bhag Singh is survived by his three sons and a daughter, all of whom are married.
"Before leaving the village he had told his family about who owes him how much money. He had also told them that he would return only if they attain victory. Today, the village welcomed back Bhag Singh but only as a martyr," said Bhupinder Singh, cousin of the deceased. Bhupinder along with Bhag’s son and grandson brought back the body from Rohtak on Friday.
"He was a member of Mazdoor Kisan Sangharsh Committee and was first from our village to go to the protest for the farmers,” he said, adding that Mohinder Kaur, wife of the deceased had died in 2014 and he lived with his elder son Gurpreet Singh.
The family said that they are proud of Bhag Singh.
"We are proud of him as he has martyred himself for the farmers’ cause," said Bhag’s son Gurpreet Singh. He said they just want the government to repeal the three farm laws.
Meanwhile, the deceased was given hero’s welcome at his village. The body was wrapped in the flag of farmer organization before it was cremated at a local cremation ground.