No room for hunger strike in Sikhism, but Dallewal protest justified: Akal Takht

Expressing concern over the deteriorating health of fasting farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, the Akal Takht said though the hunger strike concept had no place in Sikhism, it was highly condemnable that the “anndata” (food-producing farming community) had to go on a fast for the sake of their rightful dues.

Farmers announce nationwide protests

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• In the wake of Dallewal’s deteriorating health, the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and SKM (Non-political) announce nationwide protests
• Nationwide effigy-burning protest will be held in villages on Jan 10
• Copies of the draft policy on agri marketing to be burnt on Lohri
• Farmers planning nationwide protest on tractors on January 26

Speaking on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Sri Guru Gobind Singh on Monday, Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh said, “There is no concept of hunger strike in Sikhism. But it’s shocking to note that farmers who work tirelessly to feed the humankind are being forced to give up food for the acceptance of their demands.”

The Jathedar said “nothing could be more appalling than this for the government”.

Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-political) leader Dallewal (70) has been on an indefinite fast for the past more than 40 days at the Khanauri protest site on the border between Punjab and Haryana. The farmers are demanding a legal guarantee for the MSP of their crops.

Meanwhile, the Akali Dal has said it was shocking that even though the Supreme Court was monitoring the fast-unto-death of the farmer leader almost on a daily basis, both the Union and the state governments were “resorting to blame game and playing politics”. “Efforts are also on to polarise the entire issue, which is condemnable and could be dangerous for a border state like Punjab,” said Akali leader Daljit Singh Cheema. He appealed to PM Narendra Modi to take the lead and create an atmosphere that could lead to the end of Dallewal’s fast.