Farmer Leader Dallewal Ends 126-Day Hunger Strike, Announces Decision at Fatehgarh Sahib Mahapanchayat

Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab (The Uttam Hindu): In a significant development amid ongoing farmer protests, Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta Sidhupur) state president Jagjeet Singh Dallewal officially ended his 126-day-long hunger strike during a Mahapanchayat held at the Sirhind grain market in Fatehgarh Sahib on Saturday.

Dallewal, a senior face of the joint platform of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), had begun his indefinite fast on November 26 last year, demanding a legal guarantee on the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops, among other issues raised by the protesting farmers.

Before addressing the gathering, Dallewal paid his respects at Gurdwara Shri Fatehgarh Sahib. Later, in front of a large crowd at the Mahapanchayat, he announced the end of his fast, emphasizing that while the hunger strike may have concluded, the farmers’ movement continues.

He sharply criticized the government for what he termed as a betrayal of farmers. “On one hand, the government invites us for talks, and on the other, it removes our protest sites at night. The dual-faced approach of the government cannot be tolerated. Our struggle will go on until our demands are fully met,” Dallewal said.

The Mahapanchayat was organized in response to the recent removal of two major farmer protest fronts at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders. Farmers across Punjab have condemned the government’s actions and intensified their protests.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu had both previously appealed to Dallewal to end his hunger strike. In a public message, Chouhan acknowledged Dallewal’s dedication and expressed hopes for dialogue between the Centre and farmer representatives.

While Dallewal had begun taking medical aid in January following appeals and deteriorating health, he had steadfastly refused to end his hunger strike—until this formal announcement in Fatehgarh Sahib.

The farmer leader reaffirmed the resolve of the community to continue its peaceful agitation until their key demands are addressed by the central government.