Farmers’ protest leader Jagjit Dallewal ended his 131-day hunger strike on Sunday during a Mahapanchayat held at Sirhind Grain Market in Punjab’s Fatehgarh Sahib. His decision came shortly after Punjab Police forcefully evicted protesting farmers from the Shambhu and Khanoori borders, sparking widespread outrage across the state.
In response to the police action at the Haryana-Punjab borders, massive protests broke out. To address the situation, a Mahapanchayat was organized in Fatehgarh Sahib, where Dallewal officially announced the end of his hunger strike.
Before attending the gathering, Jagjit Dallewal paid a visit to the Gurudwara Shri Fatehgarh Sahib. He said he decided to end his fast following requests from the public, and he respected their appeal by ending his protest.
Jagjit Dallewal Ends 131-Day Hunger Strike
Jagjit Dallewal, a senior leader of the farmers’ movement, ended his indefinite hunger strike on Sunday after 131 days. Even though he has stopped his fast, he made it clear that the farmers’ protest is not over and will continue until their demands are met.
Dallewal had started his hunger strike on November 26 last year. His main demand was a legal guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops. Farmers have been asking the government to ensure that they get fair and fixed prices for their produce. Along with MSP, there were several other demands related to the rights and welfare of farmers.
The decision to end the hunger strike was announced during a large farmers’ gathering called a Kisan Mahapanchayat in Sirhind, located in Punjab’s Fatehgarh Sahib district. Many farmers and leaders from across the region attended the event to show support.
While speaking at the Mahapanchayat, Jagjit Dallewal said,
“You all have asked me to end the fast unto death. I am thankful to all of you for taking care of the protest. I respect your feelings and accept your decision.”
He also added,
“Many farmers and protest leaders have been requesting me to end the hunger strike. After listening to their advice, I have ended my fast today. But I want to make it clear that the protest is still going on.”
This statement shows that even though Dallewal has ended his personal hunger strike, the larger farmers’ movement is still active. Farmers are standing firm on their demands and will continue their struggle through peaceful protests and discussions.
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Ministers Urge Jagjit Singh Dallewal to End Hunger Strike
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu have urged farmer leader Jagjit Dallewal to end his hunger strike. Their appeals came on Saturday, just days before the next round of talks with farmer representatives, scheduled for May 4.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Chouhan stated that discussions between the central government and farmer organizations are ongoing. He mentioned that Jagjit Dallewal, who was hospitalized earlier, has now returned and wished him a speedy recovery. Chouhan further requested him to end his fast and confirmed that the government will meet farmer leaders at 11 AM on May 4 as previously planned.
Bittu also made a heartfelt appeal, emphasizing that Dallewal’s health and life are valuable. “Punjab needs your leadership in the ongoing struggle for farmers and laborers,” he said.
Dallewal, representing the joint platform of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), began his hunger strike demanding that the central government accept key issues such as the implementation of a law guaranteeing Minimum Support Price (MSP).
Although Dallewal received medical attention at the Khanauri protest site since January when talks with the government first began, he had refused to end his fast until now.
The next official meeting between the government and farmer groups is set for May 4.
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FAQs
Q.1. Why did Jagjit Dallewal end his hunger strike?
Ans. Jagjit Dallewal ended his 131-day hunger strike after public appeals and support during a Mahapanchayat in Fatehgarh Sahib, though the farmers’ protest continues.
Q.2. What were the main demands of the farmers’ protest led by Dallewal?
Ans. The key demand was a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP), along with other issues concerning farmers’ rights and welfare.
Q.3. When did Dallewal begin his hunger strike?
Ans. Dallewal started his hunger strike on November 26, 2023, to press the central government for legal MSP and other farmer-related demands.
Q.4. What sparked recent protests at the Shambhu and Khanoori borders?
Ans. Massive protests erupted after Punjab Police forcibly removed farmers from the Shambhu and Khanoori borders, causing statewide outrage.
Q.5. When is the next meeting between farmers and the government?
Ans. The next round of talks between the government and farmer representatives is scheduled for May 4, 2025.
