Punjab Farmer Leader Jagjit Dallewal Ends Indefinite Hunger Strike After Union Ministers’ Appeal

Punjab farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal ended his indefinite hunger strike on Sunday, nearly five months after he began the fast on November 26, 2023, to push for various farmer demands, including a legal guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops.

The announcement was made during a 'Kisan Mahapanchayat' held at Sirhind in the Fatehgarh Sahib district of Punjab. Dallewal said he was honouring the collective appeal of fellow farmers. "You all have asked me to end the fast unto death. I am indebted to you for taking care of the agitation. I respect your sentiments. I accept your order," he told the gathering.

The decision to end the hunger strike came a day after Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu publicly urged Dallewal to call off his fast. The appeal highlighted the importance of his health and his continued leadership in the farmers' movement.

Dallewal, a senior leader of the joint forum of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), had started his indefinite fast at the Khanauri protest site. Even after talks with the central government began in January, he continued the fast while accepting only medical assistance.

On Saturday, Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan posted on X, affirming the government's willingness to continue talks and expressing concern for Dallewal's health. He reiterated the Centre's commitment to meet farmer representatives on May 4.

Echoing this, Minister Bittu said Dallewal's well-being was crucial for the ongoing movement and urged him to step forward for dialogue. He added that BJP ministers and leaders had inquired about Dallewal's health during the Parliament session and extended their best wishes for his recovery.

Further discussions between farmer representatives and the Centre are scheduled to continue.