A group of 121 farmers, who had been on a fast-unto-death at the Khanauri protest site in solidarity with farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, ended their indefinite hunger strike on Sunday after Dallewal agreed to take medical aid. The decision came after Dallewal’s health had significantly deteriorated, prompting him to reconsider his stance.
Jagjit Singh Dallewal (70), who had refused any form of aid since he began his fast on November 26, agreed to take medical assistance on Saturday following the Centre’s invitation for talks on February 14, aimed at addressing the farmers’ demands. His refusal had gained widespread attention, drawing thousands of farmers to join his cause.
Initially, 111 farmers had joined Dallewal’s fast-unto-death on January 15, setting up camp on the Haryana side of the border near Khanauri. Just two days later, on January 17, 10 more farmers from Haryana also lent their support to the movement. Despite their hunger strike, Dallewal’s insistence on securing a legal guarantee for a minimum support price (MSP) for crops remained unchanged.
The farmers finally broke their fast by sipping juice in the presence of Deputy Inspector General of Police Mandeep Singh Sidhu and Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police Nanak Singh. While this marked the end of their indefinite hunger strike, farmer leaders emphasized that Dallewal would continue his protest until the government provides a concrete legal guarantee for MSP.
The move marks a significant shift in the ongoing farmers’ protest, which has seen sustained demands for better policies and protections for farmers across India.
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