Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike since November 26, 2023, has agreed to accept medical assistance after his health deteriorated. Dallewal, who is protesting for a legal guarantee on the minimum support price (MSP) for crops, clarified that he would continue his fast until his demands are met, despite the decision to allow medical aid.
According to Sukhjit Singh Hardojhande, a fellow farmer leader, Dallewal’s health had worsened significantly, with reports indicating he had lost about 20 kilograms over the course of the protest. Although doctors described Dallewal’s condition as “critical,” he had previously refused medical treatment to emphasize the seriousness of his protest.
Dallewal’s hunger strike entered its 54th day on Sunday, making it one of the longest and most intense acts of defiance in recent times. His decision to accept medical aid followed mounting concern over his deteriorating health, but he remains firm in his stance. He insisted that he will not end the fast until the government provides a legal guarantee ensuring MSP for crops, a demand that has been at the heart of the ongoing farmer protests across India.
The move comes in the wake of the Indian government agreeing to resume talks with the protesting farmers. The government has scheduled a meeting for February 14 in Chandigarh, where Punjab’s farmers will present their demands, marking a potential breakthrough after a prolonged standstill in negotiations. The government has acknowledged the need for dialogue and has taken steps to address the concerns of the farmers, who have been protesting for nearly a year.
On Saturday, officials from the Union Agriculture Ministry, led by Joint Secretary Priya Ranjan, met with Dallewal and representatives from the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. These groups have been central to the farmer protests, which have spread across Punjab and other states, seeking stronger protections for the agricultural sector.
The hunger strike also saw a rise in the number of participants. On Saturday, 10 more farmers joined the fast-unto-death at the Khanauri border, bringing the total number of fasting farmers to 121. The movement has gained significant momentum, with farmers remaining steadfast in their demand for a legal guarantee of MSP for crops.
Dallewal’s decision to allow medical aid highlights the intense nature of the ongoing protests, which continue to attract national attention. While Dallewal and other leaders remain committed to their cause, they are also making it clear that their fight will continue until the government meets their demands.
