Dallewal Ends Hunger Strike, Punjab Tells SC: Farmers Ease Protest Pressure
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) : Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal has ended his indefinite hunger strike by accepting water, the Punjab government informed the Supreme Court on Friday, March 28, 2025. Dallewal had been fasting since November 26, 2024, demanding systemic agricultural reforms and legal guarantees for Minimum Support Price (MSP). The Supreme Court acknowledged Dallewal's commitment, describing him as a "genuine farmer leader without any political agenda." The Punjab government also reported that protesting farmers have vacated the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana, leading to the reopening of all previously blocked roads and highways.
In light of these developments, the Supreme Court dropped contempt proceedings against the Punjab Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, which had been initiated due to non-compliance with earlier orders to provide medical aid to Dallewal. The Court further directed the High-Powered Committee, established to address farmers' grievances, to submit a supplementary status report. Despite the conclusion of Dallewal's hunger strike, other farmer leaders, including Sarwan Singh Pandher, have announced plans to continue their protests. Pandher criticized the Punjab government for its actions against the farmers and demanded compensation for damages incurred during the protests. These events mark a significant moment in the ongoing farmers' protests, highlighting both the government's responsiveness and the farmers' unwavering commitment to their demands.
