Farm leader Dallewal to start indefinite fast today

Jagjit Singh Dallewal, leader of the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), announced at a press conference this evening that he would begin an indefinite hunger strike at the Khanauri border from Tuesday. This move is aimed at pressuring authorities to address the long-standing demands of farmers and labourers, including the implementation of MSP Guarantee Act, complete debt waiver for farmers and labourers.

Dallewal said that if the government still did not listen to him and he sacrifices himself, then Sukhjeet Singh will sit on fast unto death after him. He added that he got his land registered in the name of his son, daughter-in-law and son on Monday so that if he died, they do not face any problem after him. On this occasion, other farmer leaders, including Abhimanyu Singh Kohad, convener of Bhartiya Kisan Naujwan Union Haryana were present.

The announcement of hunger strike has yet again shifted the focus on the protesting farmer who have been putting up on the highway as security forces have plugged it near Haryana for nearly 10 months. The escalation of “Dilli Challo” protest had led to confrontation between farmers and security forces on February 21 leading to the death of Shubhkaran Singh (22) of Bathinda due to a bullet wound.

The protests are set to intensify, with peaceful demonstrations planned at district headquarters across the state. Besides, the farmer leaders have announced to intensify protest at both Shambhu and Khanauri borders. The protest has completed 186 days at Shambhu and Khanauri border. As many as 33 farmers have lost their lives since the launch of the ongoing agitation started on February 13.

Sarvan Singh Pandher, a leader of Kisan Ekta Morcha said, “Dallewal will begin his indefinite hunger strike on November 26 at the Khanauri border to press for the demands.”