Tensions between farmers and the Punjab Police have escalated following the detention of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, leading to protests across the region. The ongoing standoff at the Khanauri border saw a failed negotiation attempt on Wednesday between the farmer representatives and police officials, including DIG Manjit Singh Sandhu, SSP Nanak Singh, and intelligence officers. Despite the government's efforts to de-escalate the situation, farmers have made it clear that talks will not continue until Dallewal is released and returns to the protest site.
Punjab Police's actions have stirred strong reactions from farmers, who have demanded the immediate release of their leader. Dallewal was arrested at the Khanauri border during wee hours on Tuesday, hours before he was scheduled to begin an indefinite fast, and was later taken to the DMC hospital in Ludhiana. The farmers’ concerns about his well-being have been mounting, especially given his medical history, which includes cancer and diabetes. No official medical bulletins have been issued, fueling suspicions and concerns over his treatment.
It wasn’t until Wednesday evening that images of the 44-hour detained leader emerged from DMC Hospital in Ludhiana, where he had been brought under heavy police security. While Dallewal appeared at the hospital, his condition remains a matter of grave concern for the farmers’ community.
On Wednesday, Punjab Police officials attempted to meet with farmers at the Khanauri border to prevent the escalation of the protest. However, the farmers stood firm, insisting that the discussions would resume only once Dallewal rejoined the protest. “Until Dallewal is brought to the protest site, there can be no further dialogue,” said Kaka Singh Kotda, a prominent farmer leader. The police officials assured that the matter would be communicated to higher authorities, but this did little to calm the agitated farmers.
The farmers have resolved that in case any leader dies during the ongoing hunger strike, their last rites will not be performed. Instead, another leader will take their place in the fast until their demands are met. This declaration highlighted the seriousness of the farmers’ resolve.
The growing unrest was evident when farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher called on the Punjab Government to clarify its position on Dallewal’s detention. “The Centre has clarified that they have no involvement in this. Now it is up to the Punjab Government to explain,” Pandher demanded, while expressing concerns over the lack of transparency surrounding Dallewal's current condition.
The security around DMC Hospital in Ludhiana has been unprecedented. The hospital’s emergency ward, where Dallewal is being kept, is under triple-layered security, and police have cordoned off the area nearly 50 meters before the hospital entrance. Policemen are keeping a close watch on everyone entering the premises, further restricting access to the leader. This strict surveillance has also extended to the wider hospital complex, where dozens of police personnel are stationed, ensuring no unauthorized interactions with Dallewal.
While the police maintain that their concern for Dallewal's health, especially his age and pre-existing conditions, is the reason for the heightened security, it has done little to quell the anger of the farmers. Farmer leader Sukjeet Singh Hardo Jhanday, who has also begun his own hunger strike, expressed grave concerns over human rights violations, citing the forced medical interventions allegedly being conducted on Dallewal.
The farmers have already announced that they will march to Delhi on December 6 if their demands are not met within the next 10 days. They have made it clear that they will not allow the police to disrupt their protests, as they have beefed up security at the protest sites.
Meanwhile, the Punjab Government’s stance remains unclear, with the police continuing to block all access to Dallewal at the hospital. Despite this, some politicians, including Congress leader and wrestler Bajrang Punia, have visited the Khanauri border in solidarity with the farmers’ cause.
As the standoff continues, the issue of human rights violations has taken center stage, with many criticizing the police's actions in detaining Dallewal without clear communication about his health. His supporters argue that his arrest and the lack of medical updates constitute a violation of his basic rights.
The involvement of Jagjit Singh Dallewal in the farmer movement is significant. At 70 years old, Dallewal has been a key figure in agricultural protests, having led opposition against land acquisitions and in support of farmers' compensation for losses. He has also been involved in several hunger strikes and protests against various state and Central Government policies, including the controversial farm laws in 2021. His leadership in this ongoing protest has made him a symbol of resistance.
The current conflict highlighted the deepening divide between the farmers and the government, with both sides refusing to compromise. As farmers prepare for further protests, they have vowed not to back down until their demands are fully addressed, with the central issue being the release of their leader — Dallewal.
