Punjab Government has yielded to farmers’ demands, agreeing to the release of the senior farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who was detained during the wee hours on Tuesday ahead of his fast-unto-death. The decision came after an intense hours-long meeting between the Punjab Police, the administration, and farmer leaders at the Khanauri border on Friday.

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher, leading the ongoing protest along with Dallewal, confirmed the development, stating, “We have not spoken to Dallewal yet, but officials have assured us that his health is stable. Our sole demand was Dallewal’s release, and the Government has agreed to it. He will soon join the protest at Khanauri border, and his hunger strike will continue. The decision regarding the December 1 demonstration will be made after his arrival.”

The standoff began on November 26, when Dallewal announced his hunger strike at Khanauri border to press for the farmers’ demands. However, at around 2 am, Punjab Police took him into custody from his protest tent, citing concerns about his health. Dallewal was subsequently moved to DMC Hospital in Ludhiana for medical examination.

IG Jaskaran Singh, addressing the media, stated that Dallewal was discharged from the hospital and would soon rejoin the Khanauri protest. “The Punjab Government prioritized his health. Farmers have been assured that medical facilities will remain available in case of any emergency during the protest,” he said.

Patiala Range DIG Mandeep Singh Sidhu added that Dallewal’s hunger strike posed significant health risks, especially given the crowd gathering at the protest site. “The administration had decided to act preemptively to ensure his safety,” he explained.

Following Dallewal’s detention, farmers convened at Khanauri border and resolved to intensify their agitation. Former soldier Sukhjit Singh Hardo took up the mantle, launching his hunger strike. Now in its fourth day of his hunger strike — underscoring the farmers’ unwavering resolve.

Pandher had earlier announced that the farmers would march to Sangrur on December 1 to protest against Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. However, now the decision, whether to continue with the demonstration outside Chief Minister’s private residence in Sangrur, will be taken after Dallewal joined the protest at Khanauri border. The farmers had accused Mann’s Government of betraying their trust and failing to address their longstanding issues.

“For 10 months, our struggle was primarily against the BJP-led Central Government. However, the Punjab Government’s actions have revealed its intent to suppress our movement, just like the Centre. CM Mann, who once claimed to be a farmers’ advocate, must now explain his stance and the steps he has taken to resolve our issues with the Centre,” Pandher had said a day before.

Pandher also disclosed plans for a massive march to Delhi on December 6. “Farmers across Punjab are being mobilized for this action. Our agitation, which initially targeted the Centre, now includes the State Government as well. The protest will escalate in the coming days,” he asserted.

Farmers have expressed growing discontent with both the Centre and the Punjab Government, accusing them of neglecting their grievances.

In a strong demonstration of their commitment to securing the rights and welfare of farmers, various farmer organizations have put forth 13 critical demands, with the enactment of a law guaranteeing the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all crops being the principal.

Besides, the protesting farmers are also demanding a comprehensive report on the cost of cultivation by Dr MS Swaminathan, and a reduction in the price of DAP fertilizers. Farmers are also calling for justice in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence, fair wages for agricultural workers, and a halt to policies that undermine their livelihoods, such as the unchecked expansion of free trade agreements.

Additionally, the farmers are demanding reforms in electricity and labour laws, compensation for families affected by the farmer protests, and stronger accountability measures against corruption in the agricultural sector.