Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal ends hunger strike after months of protest

Punjab: Jagjit Singh Dallewal, president of the unied forum of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), went on indefinite hunger strike on November 26, 2023. His objective was to force the government to accept major demands of farmers, especially legal assurance of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops. Dallewal's fast received mass support from different farmer bodies and organizations in Punjab and elsewhere.

Government intervention and appeals

When Dallewal's health started to decline, union ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Ravneet Singh Bittu made public calls for him to call off his fast. Bittu, in a televised message, urged the need for Dallewal to lead farmers and conveyed government concerns about his health. Chouhan also issued an appeal, assuring a meeting between farm leaders and the government on May 4 to prolong negotiations.

End of hunger strike

Having stayed on fast for months, Dallewal ended his hunger strike in a 'Kisan Mahapanchayat' at Sirhind, Punjab. He mentioned the appeals of his followers and the talks with the government as the cause for discontinuing his hunger strike. Dallewal's move is a move towards reconciliation, and all are looking towards dialogue to bring sincere solutions to the farming community.

Ongoing negotiations and future prospects

The government and farm organizations will meet on May 4 to negotiate the long-standing demands of the farmers. Although Dallewal's hunger strike was suspended, the broader movement continues to demand fundamental changes in farm policy. The result of these negotiations is likely to have far-reaching implications for India's future agriculture.