Today, On 13th December, Punjab farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s hunger strike has reached its 18th day, with his health in critical condition. The Supreme Court has intervened, calling for dialogue between the government and Dallewal, who is demanding a legal guarantee for MSP and addressing other farmer-related issues. Dallewal has also written an open letter to the Prime Minister. Meanwhile, protests by farmers’ organizations continue at the Punjab-Haryana border.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court expressed grave concern regarding the declining health of Punjab farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a hunger strike since November 26.
The Court instructed both the Centre and the Punjab government to urgently meet with Dallewal and persuade him to end his protest, while emphasizing that force should only be used if absolutely necessary to preserve his life.
A bench consisting of Justice Surya Kant and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan raised concerns regarding Dallewal’s health, emphasizing the need for him to receive medical assistance without being compelled to end his fast. During the proceedings, the bench reviewed newspaper articles covering the hunger strike of Dallewal, who is a senior citizen.
Justice Kant addressed the Attorney General, stating,
“He must receive medical assistance immediately, without being pressured to end his fast. Please engage in direct dialogue and communication with him. His life is more valuable than the protests. He is a leader, and other farmers should support you.”
The Court also called for immediate medical assistance for Dallewal and recommended forming a high-powered committee to engage with the protesting farmers, urging them to temporarily suspend their demonstrations or move away from highways.
Dallewal, who is currently protesting at the Khanauri border between Punjab and Haryana, has put forth 13 demands, including a legal guarantee for the minimum support price (MSP) for crops. His fast, now in its 17th day, has highlighted the ongoing issues faced by farmers.
In an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dallewal stated,
“Ensuring MSP to every farmer is like the fundamental right to live,”
And warned that if he were to perish, the Central government would be held accountable.
Medical assessments indicated a critical deterioration in Dallewal’s health. A physician attending to him reported significant weakness and recommended that he be hospitalized immediately. Despite being a cancer patient, Dallewal remains resolute in his hunger strike. Leaders such as Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan have called for urgent action, urging the Centre to address farmers’ concerns without delay. Farmers associated with the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have been protesting at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points since February 13, with another march planned for December 14.
Dallewal’s list of demands includes a debt waiver, pensions for farmers and agricultural workers, withdrawal of police cases, and justice for victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence. Additionally, he seeks the reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and compensation for the families of farmers who lost their lives during the 2020-21 protests against the now-repealed farm laws.
In his open letter, written in blood, Dallewal criticized the government for not implementing the “C2 plus 50%” formula proposed by the Swaminathan Commission.
He remarked,
“By not enacting a law on MSP, the Central government is driving millions of farmers into poverty, debt, and death.”
Prominent political figures, including Congress leaders Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Partap Singh Bajwa, have condemned the government’s inaction.
Hooda remarked,
“The BJP government must abandon its rigid stance and engage in dialogue with the protesting farmers.”
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Additionally, advocate Vasu Ranjan Shandilya filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, seeking immediate intervention to protect Dallewal’s life and prevent potential unrest. Ambala Deputy Commissioner Parth Gupta requested that Sangrur authorities ensure Dallewal receives adequate medical care.
Notable farmer leaders Rakesh Tikait and Harinder Singh Lakhowal are expected to visit the protest site to show their support. In a video message, Dallewal reiterated,
“This is a fight for MSP. It is a fight for saving Punjab’s future and its water,”
Appealing for greater public backing, and asserting that the government would engage in talks only when it acknowledged the resilience of the protest.