Tensions at Ludhiana DMC as farmers 'stopped' from meeting Jagjit Singh Dallewal
Protesting farmers accused the authorities of violating their rights by preventing them from meeting Dallewal, who has been in police custody
PTC Web Desk: Tensions erupted at Ludhiana’s DMC Hospital on Thursday as farmers clashed with the police over access to detained farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal. Protesting farmers accused the authorities of violating their rights by preventing them from meeting Dallewal, who has been in police custody for 58 hours following his planned indefinite fast over MSP and other agricultural issues.
Farmers gathered at the hospital, seeking reply about who ordered the restrictions and seeking an explanation from senior officials. The confrontation grew heated when the police reportedly refused to give details, prompting an extended standoff. The situation worsened as the police detained two farmer leaders to pacify the crowd. Many farmers remained at the hospital, insisting they would not leave without meeting Dallewal.
Meanwhile, a parallel meeting of farmer leaders commenced at the Khanauri border to strategise the next phase of their protest. Jagjit Singh Dallewal has been on an indefinite fast, and his detention before he could commence his protest has drawn sharp criticism from farmers and activists alike.
Protesting farmers questioned the legality of restricting access to Dallewal, arguing it violates democratic principles. Video footage shared on social media shows the police citing orders from the higher authorities to justify the restrictions, though they refused to specify the source of these instructions.
The farmers have stated unequivocally that they will only engage in discussions with the government if Dallewal is returned to the protest site.
At the Khanauri border, farmer leaders from Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh convened to plan their next steps. Sarwan Singh Pandher, a farmer leader, called for intensified protests, urging more farmers to join the demonstrations at the Khanauri and Shambhu borders.
Addressing supporters, Pandher accused the Central and state governments of conspiring to undermine the farmers’ movement. He said farmers would march to Delhi on December 6 if their demands were not met within 10 days.
In a video shared online, Dallewal’s grandson, Jigarjot Singh, expressed concern over the treatment of his grandfather but reaffirmed his resilience. “My grandfather is not someone who can be intimidated. No government or administration can suppress him,” he said, urging farmers to strengthen the protest sites and remain united.
The Punjab government is under mounting pressure to resolve the ongoing crisis. Despite multiple meetings, no resolution has been reached. Police officials, including DIG Manjeet Singh Sidhu and SSP Patiala Nanak Singh, have visited the protest sites but failed to offer solutions that satisfy the farmers.
Notably, the farmers’ agitation began in February, focusing on 13 demands, including a guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP). Dallewal, who suffers from cancer, had announced his indefinite fast in early November, even transferring his land to his family in preparation for the protest.