A group of 111 farmers began a hunger strike on Wednesday in support of veteran farm leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on hunger strike since November 26 at Khanauri on the Punjab-Haryana border.
Dallewal, a 70-year-old cancer patient, is protesting to press the Union government for legally guaranteed minimum support prices (MSP) and other long-pending demands. Reports suggest his health is steadily worsening.
The protest is part of a larger movement by farmers, who allege that the government has not engaged with them since February. Demonstrations are being held under the banners of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. The farmers are demanding MSP guarantees, the implementation of the MS Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations, pensions for farmers and laborers, a farm debt waiver, the reinstatement of the 2013 Land Acquisition Act, and justice for victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
Dallewal’s hunger strike has now reached its 51st day, with the Punjab government claiming his condition is stable. However, the Supreme Court has requested updated medical reports after questioning discrepancies in earlier submissions. Justice Surya Kant expressed concern over the lack of clarity, pointing out conflicting reports about Dallewal’s health.
During a recent meeting with a Supreme Court-appointed high-powered committee led by retired High Court judge Nawab Singh, Dallewal refused medical intervention. He criticized the court’s reluctance to direct the Union government to address farmers’ demands, stating that this inaction has left the farming community without hope.
Farm leader Abhimanyu Kohar said the hunger strike reflects the determination and unity of the protesters, who continue to camp at Shambhu and Khanauri in peaceful protest. Despite the mounting pressure, the government has yet to initiate dialogue with the farmers.
