Jagjit Singh Dallewal, a 70-year-old prominent leader in the Indian farming community, recently concluded a 123-day hunger strike aimed at advocating for improved conditions for farmers.
The Punjab government informed India’s Supreme Court that Dallewal has resumed consuming water, signaling the end of his prolonged fast. This development comes even as farmers continue their persistent struggle for fair prices for their crops.
The recent farmers’ protests have been ongoing since February 2024, with demonstrators gathering at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders between Punjab and Haryana. Their primary demand has been a legal guarantee for minimum support prices, MSP, for their crops. The protests have seen various forms of agitation, including sit-ins and hunger strikes, highlighting the farmers’ determination to secure their livelihoods.
Dallewal commenced his indefinite hunger strike on November 26, 2024, at the Khanauri border protest site. Over the course of his fast, his health deteriorated significantly. By December 18, after 22 days without food, doctors warned that his life was “hanging by a thread,” citing risks of cardiac arrest and multi-organ failure.
Despite these warnings, Dallewal remained resolute, stating, “My life is not as important as the lives of Indian farmers, who are reeling under distress.”
Throughout his hunger strike, Dallewal received support from various quarters. Political leaders and celebrities visited him to express solidarity. Former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi mentioned that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi might also visit if required. However, some, like BJP MP Ravneet Singh Bittu, criticized these visits, labeling them as mere photo opportunities rather than genuine support.
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The Punjab government took steps to address the situation, dispersing farmers protesting at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders and reopening the National Highway for traffic. Advocate General Gurminder Singh informed the Supreme Court about these developments, noting that Dallewal had accepted water and ended his fast.
The Supreme Court had been monitoring the situation closely. On March 19, 2025, the court deferred hearing the matter, acknowledging ongoing dialogues between the Centre and the agitating farmers. The bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh, noted that two rounds of talks had taken place, with a third scheduled. The court also recognized the Punjab government’s involvement and assistance to Dallewal during his hunger strike.
Despite the conclusion of Dallewal’s hunger strike, the broader farmers’ protest continues. The agitation, which began in 2020 against three farm bills, has evolved over the years. Even after the repeal of these laws, farmers have continue resses for other demands, including a legal guarantee for MSP.
In January 2025, farmers marked Republic Day by holding tractor marches in various parts of Punjab, emphasizing their long-standing demands. They expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s response, stating that while the Constitution was adopted on this day, the current administration does not respect the voice of farmers and laborers.
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