Dallewal addresses mahapanchayat, accuses Centre of betrayal

Farm union leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who had been on a “fast” since January 18, reached this border district today and addressed a farmers’ mahapanchayat at the grain market in the cantonment area.

Brought in an ambulance and taken to the stage on a stretcher, Dallewal accused the Union government of “betrayal”. Addressing the gathering, he said the farmers' struggle would continue despite “repeated deception” by the government. “The government stabbed us in the back and attacked farmers' homes and protest sites in the most shameful manner,” he said.

Dallewal alleged that the government was indulging in polarisation politics. “It is trying to suppress the voices of minorities. Whether it's the Waqf Board Bill or interference in Sikh gurdwara committees, such divisive politics is unacceptable and intolerable,” he added.

During his brief four-minute address, Dallewal also expressed concern over the alleged US pressure on India to remove import duties on US agricultural goods. He warned that such moves could lead to corporate land takeovers. “Do not bow down to any such foreign agreement, or else the people of India will be forced to launch another movement,” he warned.