The ongoing farmers’ protest took a sharp turn on Tuesday as the farmers rejected any engagement with the Supreme Court-appointed committee, insisting that discussions would be held only with the Central Government. The decision came as the health of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for 22 days demanding a legal guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP), has worsened to the critical levels. Adding to the rising tension, farmer unions have announced to hold a statewide ‘Rail Roko’ agitation on Wednesday (December 18).
 
The unrest has intensified at the Shambhu border, where clashes with the Haryana Police, in the recent past, left over 40 farmers injured while they were making attempts to cross the border proceeding towards Delhi.
 
The farmers’ agitation has also reached a critical juncture as the Supreme Court is all set to hear two pivotal petitions on Wednesday (December 18) — one, seeking the reopening of the Shambhu border, blocked for over 10 months; and another, addressing Dallewal’s alarming health condition.
 
Despite the Apex Court’s intervention and the establishment of a mediation committee, farmers have expressed disillusionment, accusing the panel of insensitivity and lack of concrete action.
 
Farmers’ Firm Stand Against talks with SC Panel
In a strongly-worded letter addressed to the SC committee head Nawab Singh, farmer leader Dallewal and his team outlined their reasons for refusing to engage in talks. The letter, penned by the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Majdoor Morcha (KMM) amid its leader Dallewal’s hunger strike, highlighted four major grievances of the farmers. 
 
Dallewal, in his two-page letter, reminded the committee of his 22-day hunger strike, initiated on November 26 at the Khanauri border, underlining the deteriorating medical updates shared with them. “Despite my worsening condition, the committee made no efforts to address my concerns or visit the protest site,” said Dallewal.
 
The letter also condemned police brutality against farmers attempting, thrice, peaceful march at the Shambhu border. Over 40 farmers were injured in the three separate incidents. The letter accused the panel of neglecting their responsibility to ensure fair treatment and dialogue. 
 
Dallewal also criticized the committee for its perceived “lack of seriousness”, alleging that it was formed as a “mere formality”. Despite initial respect shown by farmers, the Committee failed to visit key protest sites or engage meaningfully, leading to a loss of trust, he added. 
 
Lastly, the letter unequivocally stated that future talks would only occur with the Central Government. Farmers expressed disappointment over the Committee’s “insensitivity”, emphasizing that their focus remains on achieving justice and tangible results, not on symbolic gestures. 
 
Dallewal’s Worsening Health Sparks Alarm
As Dallewal’s hunger strike entered its 22nd day, his condition has become precarious, with alarming medical reports raising fears of irreversible damage. A medical bulletin issued by a team of doctors at the protest site revealed severe dehydration, muscle weakness, and dangerously low blood pressure. Doctors warned that his organs, including the liver and kidneys, are showing signs of strain, and any further delay in medical intervention could prove fatal. 
 
Dr Sukhman, leading the medical team monitoring Dallewal, expressed grave concerns, noting that his recovery might still be challenging even if the hunger strike ends immediately. “His body has weakened significantly, and the risk of a silent heart attack is high. We are urging immediate medical care,” the doctor stated. 
 
Despite the medical warnings, Dallewal has shown no signs of relenting, reinforcing his commitment to the farmers’ cause. Farmer unions, while supporting his resolve, have urged the government to act swiftly to prevent a tragedy. “The Government will bear full responsibility if anything happens to Dallewal,” warned fellow leader and KMM coordinator Sarwan Singh Pandher. 
 
Patiala DC, SSP Visit Dallewal
Patiala Deputy Commissioner Dr Preeti Yadav and SSP Nanak Singh visited the border protest site on Tuesday to check on farmer leader Dallewal. Concerned about his health, doctors have restricted public access to Dallewal's room due to increased risk of infection. 
 
To allow supporters to see him safely, Dallewal is being shifted to a glass cabin. The Deputy Commissioner and SSP entered his room wearing masks and spent some time speaking with him. Dallewal’s deteriorating health has drawn widespread attention, adding urgency to his demands.
 
Rajewal Prepones SKM Meeting for Today
Amid Dallewal’s deteriorating health, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has preponed the emergency meeting for Wednesday (December 18) at 2 pm at the Kisan Bhawan in Chandigarh. SKM leader and senior farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal on Tuesday announced the rescheduling of the earlier December 23 meeting to address the urgent situation. The meeting is aimed at discussing the support for Dallewal’s ongoing struggle demanding legal guarantees for MSP.
 
Following the meeting, farmers are expected to meet Punjab Governor at 7 pm to present their demands. The emergency meeting could also result in key decisions regarding the farmers’ next course of action, including joining the ongoing Delhi Chalo Andolan 2.0, which is currently being held by two key organizations — SKM (non-political) and KMM.
 

Rail Roko Agitation Today

To amplify their demands, farmer unions have announced a three-hour Rail Roko agitation across Punjab on Wednesday (December 18). The protest, scheduled from 12 pm to 3 pm, is aimed at disrupting the railway services as a symbolic gesture of their growing impatience with the government’s inaction. Pandher appealed to Punjabis to unite in support of the farmers, urging widespread participation in the agitation. 
 
“This is not just a farmers’ protest; it is a fight for justice and dignity,” Pandher said. He accused the BJP-led Central Government of delaying resolutions and ignoring the farmers’ legitimate demands. “We have 12 key demands, including MSP, debt waivers, and pensions for farmers and labourers. The Government must act, or the protests will intensify,” he added. 
 
The farmers are also demanding compensation for families of those who lost their lives during the earlier agitation, a rollback of police cases filed against protestors, and implementation of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013. Leaders warned that if the Government continues to ignore these demands, the movement will expand nationwide. 
 
The political opposition has also criticized the government for its handling of the protests, urging dialogue and immediate resolution. Meanwhile, social media is abuzz with messages of support for Dallewal and condemnation of the government’s inaction. 
 
As the situation escalates, all eyes are on the Supreme Court hearing and the government’s next move.