Punjab Farmer Leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal Ends Indefinite Fast, Vows to Strengthen the Movement

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Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab – In a moment that marked both an emotional and pivotal turn in the ongoing farmers’ movement, farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal announced the end of his indefinite fast on Sunday, April 5, 2025, at the Kisan Mahapanchayat in Sirhind, Fatehgarh Sahib district. The announcement comes after more than four months of enduring a hunger strike that began on November 26, 2024.

Dallewal’s decision to conclude the fast came amidst a crowd of thousands who gathered in solidarity with the farmers’ movement. Addressing the gathering from a stretcher, a visibly emotional Dallewal thanked the supporters for their tireless efforts in sustaining the protest and expressed his deep respect for the people’s sentiments. “For me, ‘sangat’ (the people) is ‘rabb da roop’ (a form of God),” he said. “I am indebted to all of you for carrying forward the agitation just as I had envisioned.”

Despite his personal desire to continue the fast, Dallewal stated that he had chosen to listen to the voices of the farmers and put an end to the hunger strike. He emphasized that this was not an end but a new beginning for the movement. “The morcha continues,” he declared, urging his fellow farmers to stand firm in their resolve to achieve a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops. “We need a bigger morcha. Do you agree?” he asked the crowd, as thousands raised their hands in unison, reaffirming their commitment to the cause.

Dallewal’s hunger strike had been a crucial symbol of the farmers’ struggle, pressing for the legal assurance of MSP and other demands related to the agricultural sector. Despite being offered medical aid, Dallewal continued his fast in a bid to draw attention to the unresolved issues affecting farmers. The movement gained significant momentum over the months, especially after the Central government invited farmer leaders for talks in January 2025. Though Dallewal had started receiving medical aid, he refused to end the fast until his demands were addressed.

The announcement also followed a public appeal from Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union Minister of State for Railways, Ravneet Singh Bittu, who urged Dallewal to end his hunger strike. Despite health concerns and calls from various quarters, Dallewal remained committed to his cause until the voices of the people, his community, and his supporters gave him the strength to move forward.

As he called for a stronger, more united movement, Dallewal reiterated that the government was aware of the farmers’ resilience and their ability to continue the fight. The call for a “bigger morcha” resonated across the crowd, with the rallying cry of “Kisan Mazdoor Ekta Zindabad” (Long live the unity of farmers and workers) echoing through the grain market in Sirhind.

Dallewal, a senior leader of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), had been at the forefront of the farmers’ agitation at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points. His steadfast leadership throughout the struggle has made him a respected figure among farmers across the region.

While the hunger strike officially ended, Dallewal’s commitment to the farmers’ cause remains unwavering. With renewed vigor and a united front, he vowed to continue leading the movement until the demands were met.

The farmer’s struggle for their rights continues, and with Dallewal’s leadership, the fight for a fairer future for Punjab’s farmers is far from over. As the crowds dispersed, chants of “Sardar Jagjit Singh Dallewal Zindabad” (Long live Sardar Jagjit Singh Dallewal) rang out, signaling that the movement is stronger than ever before.