“We will either return victorious or dead.” These words of Gurmeet Singh Sandhu, a farmer of Kandala village in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district (Mohali) who had joined the farmers’ ongoing agitation at Delhi borders against the Centre’s agriculture laws about a fortnight back, tragically turned true when he suddenly passed away during the protest.

He is survived by his wife, a son and two daughters.

“His hard work, honesty, and integrity would always be remembered,” said Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister and Mohali legislator Balbir Singh Sidhu, paying tributes during Gurmeet Sandhu’s antim ardas (last prayers) offered on Monday at his native village.

Sidhu, attending the prayers, presented a cheque of Rs five lakhs on behalf of the Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh to Gurmeet’s son, Sukhbir Singh.

Paying heartfelt tributes to the departed farmer, Sidhu said that the struggle started from Punjab to repeal the three black laws introduced by the BJP Government “has now become a nationwide struggle in which farmers, labourers, and other sections have also joined. Now, the victory of the farmers is assured.” Sidhu said that a team of doctors, under Punjab Youth Congress Mohali district president Kanwarbir Singh Ruby has been sent to Delhi for providing medical services and two ambulances have been permanently stationed for health emergencies. Later, Sidhu also announced a grant of Rs 28.50 lakh for the sewerage system of Kandala village. The Bhartiya Kisan Union also provided financial assistance to the family.