The year 2024 saw farmer and farm labourer groups from Punjab resuming their protests highlighting the agrarian distress and asking the Union government to enact a law for guaranteed buying of their crops at the minimum support price (MSP).

Under the banner of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), protesters have been camping at Shambhu-Ambala and Khanauri-Jind, the inter-State boundaries between Haryana and Punjab from February 13, 2024. Their mission: start a ‘march’ to New Delhi to press the government on their demands, including a complete farm loan waiver and legal guarantees for purchasing their crops.

Elaborate security arrangements were set in place by the BJP-ruled Haryana government, and the ‘farmers march’ has been at a halt for close to 11 months. With the farmers not willing to relent, on November 26, 2024, Jagjit Singh Dallewal, a veteran leader, started an indefinite hunger strike in support of their demands, at the Khanauri protest site in Punjab’s Sangrur district.

As Mr. Dallewal’s fast-unto-death has completed 40 days, the 67-year-old is visibly frail, yet he is unwilling to back down unless the government meets the farmer community’s demands.

Born on October 4, 1958, in a farmer-family at Dallewala village in Punjab’s Faridkot district, Mr. Dallewal completed his primary education in nearby Golewala and later pursued a Bachelor in Arts at the Government Brijindra college in Faridkot. He has a Master’s degree in political science. But his heart was in farming. After studies, Mr. Dallewal, who owned around 17 acres of farmland in his native village, opted to be a full-time agriculturist.

A vocal advocate for the rights of farmers, Mr. Dallewal started taking up the issues faced by the agricultural community in Punjab. His dedicated work surrounding not just farmers’ issues but also societal matters pertaining to the youth is seen as a key factor behind his swift rise as a farmer leader in the State. In 1989 when the Bhartiya Kisan Union (Ekta-Sidhupur) was formed, Mr. Dallewal joined the outfit. Mr. Dallewal, who held various positions in the the BKU (Ekta Sidhupur), rose through the ranks to become the president of the organisation in 2017. ‘Sit-ins’ and ‘hunger strikes’ became a hallmark of Mr. Dallewal’s way of agitation over the years.

In recent years, he had held hunger strikes in March 2018, January 2019, January 2021, November 2022 and June 2023, all in support of farmers. However, the ongoing fast is his longest.

Open letter to PM

Ahead of launching his latest fast, Mr. Dallewal transferred his properties to his son, daughter-in-law and grandson, indicating his willingness to sacrifice his life for the cause of the farming community. In December, in an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mr. Dallewal equated the MSP for farmers to the fundamental right to live. Asserting that his death would possibly wake up the Union government from its deep slumber, he wrote: “To stop the deaths of farmers, I have decided to sacrifice my life…”

The ongoing protest has rekindled the memories of the year-long agitation during 2020-21 when scores of farmers camped at several places, including Singhu-Tikri, at Delhi’s boundaries, and chaos prevailed in the national capital and surrounding areas of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Back then, the farmers were demanding a repeal of three farm laws enacted by the Centre, which were eventually repealed.

The movement was spearheaded by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), an umbrella body of farmer outfits, in which Mr. Dallewal’s BKU (Ekta Sidhupur) was also a player. However, in 2022, when SKM leader Balbir Singh Rajewal formed the Samyukta Samaj Morcha (SSM) and decided to contest the Assembly election in Punjab, Mr. Dallewal, who was not in favour of jumping into politics, broke away and formed his new forum — the SKM (Non Political), which claims to be an amalgamation of around 28 organisations. The SKM (Non Political) is now at the forefront of the protests.

Chandigarh:

Farm activists at the Khanauri border point have increased security around the protest site, fearing that the Punjab government might once again try to whisk away the fasting veteran farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal and get him hospitalised.

The steps came in the wake of the Supreme Court’s order that gave the Punjab government time till December 31 to persuade Dallewal, who has been fasting for over a month, to shift to hospital.

The 67-year-old has been on hunger strike since November 26 to press the Centre to accept farmers’ demands, including a legal guarantee for a minimum support price (MSP).

The top court on Saturday granted the state government additional time to comply with its December 20 order and instructed the Centre to provide logistical support if requested.

The Punjab government, while acknowledging the court’s concerns, maintained that the government was in a difficult position.

“The entire protest site is under siege by farmers who refuse to let him be moved. Any use of force may lead to collateral damage, both to the farmers and the police,” Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh argued in the court.

The farmers have set up 24×7 vigils at the site and restricted access to Dallewal has become a major challenge for the police.

The Supreme Court on Saturday lashed out at the Punjab government for its inability to hospitalise Dallewal, who has been on a hunger strike for over a month, despite repeated medical advice, observing that this is not just a “failure of law-and-order machinery” but also an “abetment to suicide”.

Marking the second consecutive day the state faced the court’s ire for not complying with repeated orders to ensure Dallewal’s hospitalisation, the top court also lambasted those obstructing his hospitalisation, stating that the Supreme Court would not succumb to pressure and would not tolerate “a violent face” of the farmers’ movement.

Convening a special sitting during the vacation, a bench of justices Surya Kant and Sudhanshu Dhulia condemned the state’s handling of the situation, questioning why it allowed “a virtual fort to be created” around the protest site, adding the state government seems to support the agitation that may result in Dallewal’s death.

The matter has been adjourned to December 31, with the court warning that it would take strict action against the state chief secretary KAP Sinha and DGP Gaurav Yadav if its directions regarding Dallewal’s hospitalisation were not followed.

The Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government came under fire from the Supreme Court on the second consecutive day on Saturday even as the state’s chief secretary and director general of police (DGP) cited “fear of resistance and violence” and “collateral damage” as reasons for not being able to shift Dallewal to a hospital.

The two officers, who face contempt proceedings for not complying with the December 20 order of the court regarding Dallewal’s hospitalisation, remained present virtually during the court proceedings, as per the bench’s directive on Saturday.

Punjab’s advocate general Gurminder Singh went on to the extent of saying that the state is “helpless” in complying with the court order for moving Dallewal to a hospital.

Singh informed the court that multiple medical boards have been monitoring Dallewal’s health and that senior Ministers and the Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan had attempted to persuade him to seek medical aid.

However, Dallewal and several groups of farmers continued to resist hospitalisation, citing their demands for MSP guarantees and other agrarian reforms.

Reading out the affidavit submitted by the chief secretary and DGP, the Attorney General admitted that multiple groups of farmers had encircled the protest site, preventing authorities from moving Dallewal to a hospital.

“Who has allowed this situation to perpetuate? Who has let a virtual fort be created around him? Is this not a failure of law-and-order machinery?” the bench asked pointedly.

“This is not a question of demands or agitation. Preventing someone who is critically unwell from receiving medical treatment is unacceptable and unheard of. This is a criminal offence and nothing short of abetment to suicide,” it added.

The bench further observed that the Punjab government’s actions suggested tacit support for the protestors preventing Dallewal’s hospitalisation.

“Your affidavit gives the impression that the state is supporting him in continuing his fast at the site. Let us be very clear — the farmers’ agitation is a separate issue and we have repeatedly said through our orders that their demands would be looked into. But allowing a man’s life to be endangered in this manner is a failure of constitutional duty,” the bench remarked.

The court expressed dismay that the state was failing to strike a balance between maintaining law and order and protecting human life. Addressing the AG and the top officials present, the bench said: “Your officers have seen Punjab’s history of tackling significant challenges. Punjab has a glorious history of dealing with difficult situations in the past.”

As Singh said that farmers could agree to Dallewal’s hospitalisation if some “conciliation” was offered to them, the court responded: “It’s becoming clear that the government is speaking in their voice, but we are a constitutional court and we will not budge. If anyone wants to pressure us or put a precondition, we are not going to accept it…And you don’t have to be their spokesperson. We have already offered our platform to them.”

The bench granted the Punjab government additional time to comply with its December 20 order. It also instructed the Centre to provide logistical support if requested.

“We are with the people of Punjab and the farmer community. Our orders are not adversarial but aim to protect the life of one of the state’s tallest farmer leaders,” the court said.

The matter has been adjourned to December 31, with the court warning that it would take strict action against the state chief secretary and DGP if its directions regarding Dallewal’s hospitalisation were not followed.

The court also questioned the motives of those obstructing Dallewal’s hospitalisation, describing their actions as detrimental to the farmer community.

“There appears to be peer pressure. What kind of farmer leaders are there who want Dallewal to die? We don’t want to comment on the bona fide of such leaders who want him to die like this. He seems to be under pressure or such kind of leader. If Dallewal is under peer pressure, what does it say about the bonafide of these so-called leaders?” the bench asked.

Emphasising the urgency of the situation, the court observed, “Dallewal can continue his fast in a hospital where his vitals can be managed. He does not need to break his fast, but he cannot be allowed to endanger his life in this manner.”

It told the top officers that they must communicate to the people at the protest site that those preventing Dallewal’s hospitalisation want to deprive the farmer community of one of its tallest leaders.

During previous hearings on December 18 and 20, the court had cautioned that “the entire state machinery will bear the blame” if any harm befell Dallewal.

Dallewal’s hunger strike, which began on November 26, is part of a broader agitation demanding systemic agricultural reforms and legal guarantees for MSP. Protests under the banners of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have caused significant disruptions in Punjab and Haryana.

Despite mediation efforts by a Supreme Court-appointed committee, the impasse has continued.

The committee’s report has highlighted critical agrarian challenges, including unsustainable farming practices and mounting farmer debts, urging swift government intervention.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Ladakhi environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk meets farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal who is fasting to death, at the Khanauri border in Sangrur on Saturday (December 28, 2024).
| Photo Credit: ANI

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Saturday (December 28, 2024) met with farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been fasting for over a month in support of protesting farmers’ demands, at the Khanauri border demonstration site.

Mr. Wangchuk met Mr. Dallewal (70) in the presence of other farmer leaders from the two unions spearheading the ongoing agitation.

After the meeting, Mr. Wangchuk told media persons that his meeting was “mainly to bring good wishes and warm support on behalf of the people of Ladakh”.

He said that in view of his prolonged fasting, Mr. Dallewal could barely speak, though he emphasised the purpose of meeting him was not to have any long conversation but just to extend support.

Mr. Wangchuk appealed to the people to have their sympathies with the farmers, saying, “The food we eat is produced by the farmers.”

Mr. Dallewal’s indefinite hunger strike entered its 33rd day on Saturday (December 28, 2024).

Farmers have been on a protest over several demands, including a legal guarantee for a Minimum Support Price (MSP).

Under the banner of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, they have been camping at the Shambhu and the Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 after their march to Delhi was stopped by security forces.

A “jatha (group)“ of 101 farmers attempted to march to Delhi on foot three times between December 6 and 14 but were stopped by security personnel of Haryana.

Chandigarh:

Punjab farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, whose fast-unto-death entered the 24th day on Thursday, fell down and fainted for 8-10 minutes with doctors describing his condition as critical. The doctors said, “His life is hanging by a thread.” 

Doctors attending him at the Khanauri border protest site also said Dallewal is at risk of cardiac arrest and multi-organ failure.

Meanwhile, a panel of senior government doctors examined Dallewal’s health and also conducted some medical tests on him, said officials.

An ECG test was conducted and a blood sample was taken, they further said.

The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Punjab government to convince Dallewal, who is on an indefinite fast, to undergo a health examination.

The top court pulled up the Punjab government for not conducting medical tests on Dallewal, who is on an indefinite fast at Punjab-Haryana Khanauri border.

Dallewal (70), a cancer patient, has been on the fast-unto-death at the Khanauri border point between Punjab and Haryana to press the Centre to accept the agitating farmers’ demands, including a legal guarantee of MSP on crops.

Speaking to reporters at the Khanauri border, doctors said Dallewal has not had anything for the last 24 days. “Because of that, he is critical and he is at the risk of cardiac arrest and multi-organ failure. We are monitoring him every day,” said doctor Abhiraj, who is part of a team of doctors from 5 Rivers Heart Association –an NGO.

“His blood pressure dropped today. We raised his legs and gave massage. But his situation is very sensitive. His life is hanging by a thread right now,” said the doctor, adding, “Anything can happen at any time.” Right now ketones are on the higher side, he said. “Because of electrolyte imbalance, he can have cardiac arrest at anytime. His situation is critical,” he further said.

Farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar said Dallewal’s condition has worsened.

“When he went to washroom to take a bath and after coming out of it, his condition worsened. He felt dizzy, fell down, vomited and fainted for around 8-10 minutes,” he further said.

The doctors gave him a massage and because of their efforts, his blood pressure went up but his situation is serious, said Kohar.

Kohar said Dallewal joined the hearing in the Supreme Court through video conferencing at around 2:20 pm, he said. He remained connected for around 12-15 minutes but it kept disconnecting intermittently, he said.

The top court on Thursday asked the Punjab government to convince Dallewal to undergo a health examination. The court pulled up the Punjab government for not conducting medical tests on Dallewal.

A parliamentary panel on Tuesday had recommended the government implement a legally binding minimum support price (MSP) for agricultural produce, arguing that such a measure could significantly reduce farmer suicides and provide crucial financial stability.

“We also want to bring to your notice that the issues on which we are agitating are not just our demands but are promises made to us by different governments,” said Kohar while referring to what Dallewal wanted to say.

Meanwhile, political leaders continued to arrive at the Khanauri border to enquire about the health of Dallewal.

Haryana Congress MPs Deepender Hooda, Jaiprakash, Satpal Brahmachari, Varun Chaudhary, MLAs Ashok Arora, Ramkaran Kala, Naresh Selwal, Induraj Narwal, Jassi Petwar, among other party leaders inquired about the health of Dallewal.

Deepender said Dallewal’s condition is very serious. “The government should immediately accept the farmers’ demand for MSP guarantee and end Dallewal ji’s hunger strike. The government should give up its rigid stand, and immediately implement the agreement reached between the government and farmer organisations on 9 December 2021 after the farmers’ movement,” he said.

Singer Sidhu Moosewala’s father Balkaur Singh also visited Khanauri border to enquire about the health of the farmer leader.

Earlier, Akali leader Balwinder Singh Bhundar asked the Centre to accept the farmers’ demands for which they were camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points.

Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) leader Simranjit Singh Mann also enquired about the health of Dallewal.

Meanwhile, several Khap leaders of Haryana held a meeting here on Thursday in the wake of ongoing farmers’ protest at Shambhu and Khanauri borders.

Satrod Khap leader Satish Kumar urged the Centre to initiate talks with the protesting farmers to resolve their issues. He condemned the use of teargas shelling against farmers recently who were trying to march towards Delhi on foot by the Haryana security personnel.

He demanded that they should be allowed to head towards the national capital. “Farmers have the right to hold a protest in the national capital,” said Kumar.

He further said a ‘Mahapanchayat’ will be held on December 29 in Hisar to decide about the next course of action and strategy. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)