Farmers Refuse Talks Without Dallewal’s Release: Declare 'Death Fast' Strategy, Plan Delhi March by December 6

Chandigarh(The Uttam Hindu):The detention of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal by the Punjab Police has significantly intensified tensions, with a group of farmers staging protests in response. Despite a high-level meeting held at the Khanauri border involving farmer representatives, police officials including DIG Manjit Singh Sandhu, SSP Nanak Singh, and intelligence officers, the negotiations failed to reach any resolution. Farmers have firmly stated that talks will not proceed until Dallewal is released and participates in the protest.

Prominent farmer leaders, including Kaka Singh Kotda, have announced a “death fast” strategy, where if any leader loses their life during the protest, another will take their place. They have given the government a 10-day ultimatum to address their demands, with a threat to march to Delhi on December 6 if there is no response. The Punjab Police, on the other hand, justified Dallewal’s detention, citing concerns about his age, health, and potential challenges associated with crowd control during his indefinite strike. According to DIG Mandeep Singh Sidhu, Dallewal was taken to the DMC Hospital in Ludhiana for a medical evaluation, though there have been no updates on his condition. This lack of information has led to accusations of human rights violations from farmer organizations.

In addition to their demands, the farmers have expressed their determination to march to Delhi on foot, rather than using tractors, as a means to counter any potential future police action. The protest leaders are urging large-scale mobilization to ensure their movement remains strong and visible.