Dallewal vows to continue hunger strike until demands are met; invite people to mahapanchayat on Feb 12
PTC News Desk: Farmer leader jagjit Singh Dallewal’s hunger strike for the legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) and 13 other key demands entered its 64th day on Tuesday at the Khanauri border, which separates Punjab and Haryana.
In a heartfelt message to the public, Dallewal invited people to join mahapanchayat scheduled for February 12 at Khanauri. He said their presence provided him with strength and motivation to continue the struggle.
Dallewal’s eight-minute message focused on four main points, emphasising the need for MSP, the protection of Punjab's water resources, and the continuity of his fast until the government fulfills their demands.
Dallewal highlighted the nationwide demand for MSP as a legally binding provision. Reflecting on the previous farmers' movement, he mentioned how other states felt Punjab had abandoned the protest midway. He reiterated that Punjab needs MSP to protect its water resources and ensure sustainable agriculture practices.
“MSP is not just a demand; it is essential to safeguard Punjab’s water and future generations. Whatever I could do for this cause, I have done with Waheguru’s guidance,” Dallewal said, thanking the entire nation for supporting the movement.
On January 18, after government representatives assured a meeting on February 14, fellow protesters urged Dallewal to accept medical aid. “Although I accepted medical assistance, my hunger strike continues and will persist until the government meets our demands,” he stated.
Dallewal admitted that his health might not permit him to attend the February 14 meeting but urged the people to gather in large numbers on February 12 to energise him.
In gratitude for the progress of the movement, Dallewal announced religious ceremonies, including Sri Akhand Sahib’s path on January 30, to seek divine blessings for the success of their demands. Calling for mass participation, Dallewal requested farmers, labourers, and citizens from across the country to unite at the Khanauri border on February 12. He believes collective energy could enable him to attend the February 14 meeting and strengthen their cause.
As the farmers' movement completes one year on February 13, three major mahapanchayats are planned: February 11: A mahapanchayat at Ratnpura, for which campaigns have already begun in villages across Rajasthan’s Hanumangarh and Sri Ganganagar districts.
February 12: A mahapanchayat at Khanauri border, where Haryana farmers are actively organising village-wise duties.
February 13: A mahapanchayat at Shambhu, drawing farmers from neighbouring states.
Meanwhile, a large delegation of farmers from Uttar Pradesh has reached Khanauri to extend their support.
On February 21, farmers plan to commemorate the death anniversary of Shubhkaran Singh, a young farmer who died during a police clash at the Khanauri border last year. Preparations are underway to organise a memorial event, with discussions about its venue ongoing.
Notably, the movement began on February 13 last year, with demands for MSP and other reforms. Initially, the Central Government displayed urgency due to impending Lok Sabha Elections, dispatching senior leaders, including then Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda, to Chandigarh for discussions. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also participated in late-night meetings that extended until 2 am.
However, after their concerns were dismissed, farmers resolved to march to Delhi. Haryana’s administration countered by erecting barricades and claiming modified tractors could disrupt state security.
A violent clash at the Khanauri border led to Shubhkaran Singh’s death, further escalating tensions. Farmers’ refusal to move resulted in disrupted trade between Punjab and Haryana, prompting legal battles.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered the removal of barricades in July, but the Haryana Government escalated the matter to the Supreme Court, which formed a high-power committee to address the issue.
On November 26, Dallewal began his hunger strike, refusing medical aid. After 50 days of protest, Central Government officials visited Khanauri to invite farmers for discussions. Dallewal agreed to continue his hunger strike while accepting medical assistance.
The farmers' determination was further demonstrated through the nationwide tractor march on January 26, galvanising public support.
- PTC NEWS
