131 Days of Resolve: Farmer Leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal Ends Hunger Strike, But Protest Continues
By The Political Observer Staff | Khanna | April 6, 2025
After 131 days without food, farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal has ended his hunger strike—but the larger protest movement shows no sign of stopping. Speaking at a massive Mahapanchayat held in Sirhind Grain Market, Fatehgarh Sahib, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) leader said he was ending his fast following repeated emotional appeals from fellow farmers.
Dallewal, who began the strike on November 26, 2024, has been demanding the implementation of a legal guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP) and resolution of other farmer-related issues. His hunger protest had become a powerful symbol of the ongoing agitation, now months into its second phase.
Farmers’ Pleas Prompt Decision
“After heartfelt requests from my farmer brothers and sisters, I have decided to end the hunger strike. But our protest will continue,” Dallewal announced on April 6, amid chants of solidarity from the crowd.
Stalled Talks and Police Action
The strike’s context includes high-profile meetings between farmer leaders and top Union Ministers, including Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Piyush Goyal, and Pralhad Joshi, the most recent held on March 19 in Chandigarh. That seventh round of talks ran four hours but failed to produce any breakthrough, prompting another meeting to be scheduled for May 4.
Shortly after that meeting, tension escalated when Punjab Police detained several farmer leaders, including Dallewal and Sarwan Singh Pandher, during their return to protest sites. Dallewal was intercepted in an ambulance near Sangrur and taken into custody. Other key leaders such as Kaka Singh Kotda, Abhimanyu Kohar, Manjeet Rai, and Omkar Singh were also held.
Borders Cleared Amid Heavy Police Presence
The same evening, police launched a massive operation at Shambhu and Khanauri borders, two major protest sites. Temporary structures, tents, banners, and makeshift kitchens were cleared by bulldozers. Many farmers resisted but were overpowered by the police, leading to widespread detentions.
By March 20–21, both borders were reopened after the removal of barricades and trolley blockades, and traffic gradually returned to normal.
Dallewal’s Health Crisis and Hospitalization
Following his detention, Dallewal’s deteriorating health led to hospitalization. He was first taken to PIMS Hospital in Jalandhar, then moved to the PWD Rest House, and finally admitted to a private hospital in Patiala, where he remained under medical care until April 3.
Legal Battle and Release of Farmers
Amid public outcry, a petition was filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court regarding Dallewal’s whereabouts. Authorities maintained that he was not under arrest but had been hospitalized in accordance with Supreme Court guidelines. Eventually, on March 27, police released Pandher and several other detained protestors.
The Struggle Continues
Though Dallewal’s hunger strike has ended, the farmers’ movement remains firm on its demands. With the next round of talks expected in May, the coming weeks may prove critical in determining the path forward for one of India’s most persistent agrarian movements.
