Dallewal Vows to Continue Hunger Strike, Urges Unity Among Farmers

| | Chandigarh/Khanauri
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Dallewal Vows to Continue Hunger Strike, Urges Unity Among Farmers

Wednesday, 29 January 2025 | PNS | Chandigarh/Khanauri

On the 64th day of his hunger strike, farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal on Tuesday vowed to continue his protest until the government meets all the demands of the farmer community, including a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) and the protection of Punjab’s water resources. Dallewal’s unwavering commitment to the cause has captured national attention, as he refused to back down until his demands are addressed. Despite the toll on his health, Dallewal remained steadfast, calling for farmers across the country to unite and stand together for the movement’s success.
 
In his first address since agreeing to accept medical aid on January 4, Dallewal emphasized the urgent need for farmers’ unity in the ongoing struggle. “We are inching closer to victory, but we need to come together as one force to make it a reality. Internal divisions are the only thing holding us back,” he said in his frail but resolute voice.
 
Dallewal’s appeal for unity comes at a critical juncture, as the farmers’ movement gains momentum and heads into key talks with the Central Government scheduled for February 14. He urged the farmer community to join him at the Khanauri border on February 12 — the anniversary of the ongoing protest, to show their strength and solidarity.
 
Reflecting on his health and the ongoing struggle, Dallewal shared that he had reluctantly accepted medical aid after the government offered a meeting for February 14, but reiterated that his fast will continue until the government addresses their demands. “While I have accepted medical assistance, my hunger strike will persist until we achieve our goals,” he vowed, underscoring the significance of the farmers' demands in securing a better future for the community.
 
As the one-year anniversary of the farmers’ protests approaches on February 13, three Mahapanchayats (major gatherings) have been planned to mobilize support. These gatherings are set to take place from February 11 to 13, with each event drawing thousands of farmers from different states. The first will be held on February 11 at Ratnapura, followed by a mass gathering on February 12 at the Khanauri border, and another on February 13 at Shambhu.
 
A major delegation from Uttar Pradesh, led by prominent farmer leaders, has already reached Khanauri to extend their support to the ongoing protest. The farmers of Khanauri have shown unwavering resolve, with significant efforts underway to ensure that the February 12 Mahapanchayat is a grand success.
 
Dallewal, who began fast on November 26, urged the farmers from across the country to assemble at the Khanauri border on February 12 for a mahapanchayat (mass gathering) marking the first anniversary of the Delhi Chalo Andolan 2.0. He expressed hope that the immense show of solidarity would energize him, allowing him to attend the crucial talks scheduled with the Central Government on February 14.
 
“Your presence at the Khanauri border on February 12 will give me the strength to continue this struggle and help me physically attend the talks with the government,” Dallewal said, his voice resolute despite the toll of his prolonged fast. “This protest is not just for us, but for the future of our farmers, our land, and our water. We are inching closer to victory, and it is your support that fuels this movement,” he said.
 
Dallewal’s hunger strike is rooted in a series of demands, with the most pressing being the legal guarantee for MSP, a crucial safeguard for farmers who often face market exploitation. He also emphasized the importance of safeguarding Punjab's water resources, which are under increasing strain due to both environmental challenges and governmental policies. His message was clear — the future of agriculture in Punjab depends on these demands being met.
 
Reflecting on the previous farmers’ movement, Dallewal noted how the sentiment across the country is unified in the call for MSP and protection of water resources. “MSP is not a mere demand; it is essential to protect Punjab’s water and ensure the survival of our agricultural practices. Whatever I could do, I have done with Waheguru’s guidance,” he said, thanking the people of India for their continued support.
 
In a significant gesture of gratitude for the progress made in the movement, Dallewal announced that the farmers would hold an Akhand Path (a religious ceremony) to seek divine blessings for the success of their cause. The ceremony will be held on January 30, and Dallewal encouraged people to participate in the prayers for the government to come to its senses and agree to the farmers' demands.
 
Dallewal’s appeal for unity among the farmers' factions was also evident as he spoke about the ongoing efforts to create a unified front. He expressed frustration over the delays in forming a cohesive movement despite multiple rounds of meetings. “The public sentiment is clear — we must fight together. We are so close to achieving our goals, yet internal divisions continue to hold us back,” he said.
 
In addition, the memory of Shubhkaran Singh, a Bathinda-based young farmer who tragically lost his life during the police crackdown at Khanauri last year, continues to fuel the resolve of the protesters. A memorial event will be held on February 21 to mark the first anniversary of his death, further strengthening the emotional bond between the farmers and their cause.
 
The Protest
The history of the farmers' movement has been marked by struggle, sacrifice, and unity. It all began on February 13, 2024, when farmers from Punjab and Haryana united to demand a legal guarantee for MSP and other reforms. Initially, the Centre appeared to respond, sending senior leaders, including then Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda, to engage in talks. However, after the government failed to address the farmers' concerns, the movement escalated, with barricades being erected and trade disruptions causing a standoff at the Khanauri border.
 
The violent clash at Khanauri, which resulted in the death of Shubhkaran Singh, led to widespread outrage and further intensified the farmers’ resolve. Legal battles ensued, with the Punjab and Haryana High Court ordering the removal of barricades, but the Haryana Government escalated the matter to the Supreme Court, which formed a high-power committee to address the issue.
 
The farmers’ determination was further demonstrated through the nationwide tractor march on January 26, which galvanized public support.
 

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