The Punjab government informed the Supreme Court about its negotiation efforts with protesting farmers at the Khanauri border, where leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal is on an indefinite fast. Despite the government’s committee inviting farmers to engage, they declined. The Supreme Court highlighted Dallewal’s health concerns and allowed farmers to submit demands directly, indicating a possible resolution pathway.
Punjab: The Punjab government informed the Supreme Court on Wednesday about its ongoing efforts to address the concerns of farmers protesting at the Khanauri border. Jagjit Singh Dallewal, a prominent farmer leader, has been on an indefinite fast, intensifying the situation. Despite continuous engagements, the protesting farmers declined to interact with the high-powered committee formed by the state government.
Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh informed a bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan that the committee extended an invitation to the farmers on December 17. However, they chose not to engage with the panel. Singh also stated that the state is “trying to persuade the farmers on a daily basis” to find a resolution.
The government proposed that the farmers could submit their demands directly to the Supreme Court. In response, the top court clarified,
“We clarify that court’s doors are always open to any suggestion or demand by farmers directly or through their authorised representative.”
The apex court expressed concern over the deteriorating health of Jagjit Singh Dallewal and instructed the Punjab government to ensure immediate medical aid. The ongoing fast has drawn significant attention, with the court emphasizing the need for a prompt resolution.
The refusal to engage with the committee underscores the farmers’ dissatisfaction with the state government’s approach. With the Supreme Court welcoming direct submissions from farmers, this may pave the way for a resolution. The focus remains on safeguarding Dallewal’s health and addressing the grievances fueling the protest.
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