Lawyer Kills Self in Support of Farmers, Leaves Letter for PM Modi

In his alleged suicide note, Singh said that common people, like farmers and labourers, are feeling “defrauded”.

In his alleged suicide note addressed to PM Modi, Singh had said that common people like farmers and labourers are feeling “defrauded” due to the three “black” agriculture laws and “the worst life is inevitable”, reported PTI.

(Photo: The Quint)

(If you feel suicidal or know someone in distress, please reach out to them with kindness and call these numbers of local emergency services, helplines, and mental health NGOs.)

Punjab lawyer Amarjit Singh, allegedly died by suicide after consuming poison on Sunday, 27 December, in protest against the Modi-government’s new farm laws, reported PTI.

His demise took place at a few kilometres away from the Tikri border, which is a site of farmers’ protest.

In his alleged suicide note, addressed to PM Modi, Singh had said that common people like farmers and labourers are feeling “defrauded” due to the three “black” agriculture laws and “the worst life is inevitable”, reported PTI.

Further, according to PTI, Singh wrote that he was sacrificing his life in support of the farmers’ protest against the new farm laws so that the government is compelled to listen to the voice of the people.

‘LETTER TO PM MODI’: THE PURPORTED SUICIDE NOTE

The letter titled ‘Letter to Modi, the Dictator’, goes on to allege that Narendra Modi has become the prime minister of “a special group like the Ambani, Adani, etc.”

“The general public of India has given you absolute majority, power and faith for saving and prospering their life. After independence, the common people expected a better future in you as prime minister. But with great sorrow and pains, I have to write that you have become the prime minister of a special group like Ambani, Adani etc.”   

Amarjit Singh, in his purported suicide note

Further, the letter, purportedly written by Singh prior to his death, points out that the “public is on the tracks and roads not for votes, but for livelihoods of their families and generations (sic).”

“Kindly don’t snatch the bread and butter (roti) of farmers, labourers, and common people for a few capitalists and don’t compel them to eat Sulphos. Socially, you have betrayed the public and politically you have betrayed your associate parties like SAD.”

“Listen, the voice of the people is the voice of God. It is said that you wish for sacrifices like Godhra, and I offer my sacrifice in support of this worldwide agitation to shake your deaf and dumb conscience. ”

Amarjit Singh

WHAT IS THE POLICE SAYING?

According to PTI, the police said that they are verifying the authenticity of the suicide note, which is dated 18 December.

A police officer from Haryana’s Jhajjar district told PTI:

“We have informed the relatives of the deceased. Once they reach here, their statements will be recorded and further proceedings will be conducted.”

AT LEAST TWO OTHER SUICIDES

At least two other suicides have had links to the farmers’ agitation.

A 22-year-old farmer, Gurlabh Singh from Dayalpura Mirza village of Punjab, recently returned from the Singhu border on Friday, 18 December. The next day, he allegedly consumed poison and died by suicide. The police, according to NDTV, claimed that he was taken to the nearest hospital and pronounced ‘brought dead’, and the reason for his alleged suicide is still unknown.

A Sikh priest from Karnal, Punjab, died by suicide on Wednesday, 16 December. In his suicide note, Baba Ram Singh said he couldn’t see the suffering and ‘injustice’ doled out to the farmers, and thereafter, shot himself.

Further, as reported by The Indian Express, 41 farmers have died in Delhi and Punjab since the protests against the farm laws intensified against the Centre.

(With inputs from PTI.)