Dallewal’s Hunger Strike Sparks New Heat in Farmers' Protest at Khanoori & Shambhu
Chandigarh(The Uttam Hindu): The farmers' protest in Punjab at the Shambhu and Khanoori borders is gaining momentum after marking its 300th day, with the activists demanding a legal guarantee that the Minimum Support Price of crops will be implemented by the government and the total debt waiver. On Tuesday, the leaders of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (non-political) are likely to escalate their protests as their prominent leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal said that he would start his hunger strike at noon today. Thousands of farmers are likely to gather at Khanoori Border to support them.
On Monday, numerous farmer organizations started gathering at Khanoori Border as a mark of protest. Before starting his fast, Dallewal went to Faridkot where he handed over all of his property deeds to his family members, including his son, daughter-in-law, and grandson. Dallewal said that this hunger strike is a solemn commitment to the cause; he can sacrifice his life for this cause if the need be. Dallewal promised that he will never give up on farmers even at the end. Dallewal threatened that his body should remain at the border if the government will not provide him a written agreement to meet the farmers' demands when he may die during his hunger strike.
After Dallewal, another farmer leader, Sukhjeet Singh Hardojhande will also go for a hunger strike. Dallewal has asked farmers to gather in thousands at the Khanoori Border on Tuesday to support the protest. Preparations for the hunger strike included cleaning the site and putting up tents. The ground will be covered with straw so that the arriving farmers may feel comfortable, and provisions such as mattresses, quilts, and blankets will be made available. In addition, tractor-trailers have been arranged to host the farmers for night. In a press conference in Faridkot, Dallewal condemned the center for neglecting the farmers, which is the reason behind this country's food security. He said the government needs to recognize them.
