Centre Faces Pressure Over Dallewal's Hunger Strike: Farmer Leader Calls For Action

Tensions have escalated at the Khanauri border as farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal continues his indefinite hunger strike, now entering its 34th day.

His health has significantly deteriorated, prompting a critical response from protesting farmer leaders, who have called on the central government to decide whether to use force to evict him from the protest site.

Photo Credit: PTI

Protests Intensify as Dallewal's Health Deteriorates

Abhimanyu Kohar, a prominent figure in the farmer movement, has called for the public to join the protests at the Khanauri border, stressing that the agitation has reached a "decisive stage." Kohar reiterated that Dallewal's hunger strike is a stand for the demand of a legally guaranteed minimum support price (MSP) for farmers, which remains a central issue for the protestors.

"We are continuing our protest with Gandhian principles. Despite enduring oppression, we have maintained a peaceful stance. Now, it is up to the government and constitutional bodies to decide whether they want to use force to evict Dallewal," Kohar said.

Accusations of Government Suppression

Kohar also voiced his concerns over the central government's actions, accusing them of attempting to defame the protest by framing farmers as "stubborn." He emphasized that the real issue lies in the government's failure to address the farmers' legitimate demands, which has fueled the ongoing unrest.

"We want to make it clear that the Centre, right from day one, has been trying to defame and suppress our agitation," Kohar stated, criticizing the government's attitude toward the farmers' demands.

Dallewal's Call for Justice

While Dallewal remains on his hunger strike, he rejected claims that he was being pressured by other farmer leaders. "I am fasting because saving farmers is crucial. I am not under anyone's pressure," Dallewal clarified. His commitment to the protest highlights the personal sacrifice he is making in the fight for farmers' rights.

Supreme Court Monitoring the Situation

As Dallewal's health deteriorates, the Supreme Court of India has been closely monitoring the situation. The court recently criticized the Punjab government for not implementing previous orders to provide medical assistance to Dallewal. The state government has argued that forcing medical help on him could escalate the already tense situation. The court has granted time until December 31 for the issue to be resolved.

Public Support and Future of the Protest

The farmer leaders have called on the public to show their support by gathering in large numbers at Khanauri. Kohar described the protest as being on the brink of victory and stressed that Dallewal's sacrifice underscores the urgency of the cause. "Dallewal has put his life at stake, and now the people must show their support," he urged.

The outcome of this protest will likely have significant implications for the future of farmers' rights in India and could influence the direction of agricultural policy across the nation.