111 farmers begin fast fast-unto-death in support of leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal
A group of 111 farmers has launched a fast-unto-death protest in solidarity with Jagjit Singh Dallewal, their leader whose indefinite hunger strike has entered its 51st day. The protest reflects growing frustration with the Union government over what the farmers perceive as an “indifferent” attitude towards their demands, including a legally guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops.
Concerns Over Dallewal’s Health
The health of Dallewal, a 70-year-old farmer leader and convener of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), has become a pressing concern for his supporters. Dallewal began his hunger strike at the Khanauri border between Punjab and Haryana on November 26 last year. Despite his critical condition, he has refused medical aid, leading to fears of “multiple organ failure.” According to doctors monitoring him, Dallewal’s body has stopped tolerating water, and his muscle mass has significantly decreased. His ketone levels are alarmingly high, indicating severe physical deterioration.
Escalation of the Protest
In response to Dallewal’s worsening health, 111 farmers announced on Wednesday their decision to begin a fast-unto-death at the protest site. Farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar, a close associate of Dallewal, condemned the Union government for its inaction. “The Centre is neither listening to our demands nor initiating talks to address the crisis,” Kohar said. He warned of severe consequences if anything untoward happened to Dallewal, stating that the government might struggle to manage the aftermath.
The farmers have been staging protests under the banners of the SKM (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points since February 13 last year. These protests began after authorities blocked their march to Delhi.
Farmers’ Demands and Government Response
The key demand of the farmers remains the legal guarantee of MSP for their crops. Despite the prolonged protests, the government has shown no signs of yielding. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan recently stated that the Centre would act in line with the Supreme Court’s instructions. However, no direct dialogue with the protesting farmers has taken place.
On January 4, Punjab Cabinet Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian urged Minister Chouhan to personally intervene and initiate talks with the protesting farmers. So far, this appeal has not resulted in any progress.
Supreme Court’s Role and State Government Efforts
In December 2023, the Supreme Court directed Punjab government officials and medical teams to monitor Dallewal’s health and decide on hospitalizing him if necessary. A makeshift hospital, equipped with emergency medical supplies, has been established within 700 meters of the protest site at Khanauri. Additionally, medical teams from Rajindra Medical College and Mata Kaushalya Hospital in Patiala, along with two advanced life support (ALS) ambulances, are stationed at the site to provide round-the-clock care.
Amid the ongoing stalemate, efforts are being made to unite various farmer groups for a coordinated struggle. Leaders of the SKM, SKM (Non-Political), and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha recently held a meeting to discuss strategies for a joint agitation. Another meeting is scheduled for January 18 to finalize a unified action plan.
The SKM, which led the successful 2020 agitation against the now-repealed farm laws, is currently not part of the protests led by the SKM (Non-Political) and KMM. However, the leadership of all three groups has emphasized the need for collective action to push for the legal guarantee of MSP and other demands.
The current protest is reminiscent of the farmers’ agitation against the three controversial farm laws repealed in 2021 after months of nationwide demonstrations. The persistence of these farmers, camping at borders despite adverse weather and health risks, underscores their resolve to achieve their goals.
The fast-unto-death initiated by Dallewal and supported by 111 farmers has escalated tensions between the farmers and the Union government. With Dallewal’s health deteriorating rapidly and the farmers’ demands unmet, the situation remains precarious. The lack of dialogue from the government has only intensified the protesters’ resolve, setting the stage for further confrontations if their demands continue to be ignored. The coming weeks will be critical in determining the outcome of this prolonged struggle.
