Farmers Stand United with Dallewal: 111 Begin Fast in Khanauri
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Synopsis
A group of 111 farmers commenced a fast-unto-death at Khanauri in support of Jagjit Singh Dallewal, whose health is deteriorating after 51 days of hunger strike. The farmers, protesting against the Centre's inaction on their MSP demands, vow to continue their peaceful demonstration despite the cold and police presence.
Key Takeaways
- 111 farmers began a fast-unto-death at Khanauri.
- They stand in solidarity with leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal.
- Dallewal has been on a hunger strike for 51 days.
- Farmers demand a legally guaranteed minimum support price (MSP).
- Authorities are aware but have urged restraint.
Chandigarh, Jan 15 (NationPress) In a show of solidarity with their leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is currently on the 51st day of his indefinite hunger strike, a collective of 111 farmers, adorned in black shawls, initiated a fast-unto-death at Khanauri, the border crossing between Punjab and Haryana.
These farmers, representing the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, have been protesting at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders since February 13 last year, demanding a legally mandated minimum support price (MSP) for their agricultural produce.
The group of 111 farmers gathered beneath the open sky near police barricades, braving the chilly weather.
They asserted their commitment to endure the night without basic necessities, ready to sacrifice themselves in support of Dallewal.
Concerns have been raised regarding Dallewal's declining health, with farmers indicating that the 70-year-old is at risk of multiple organ failure due to the extended duration of his hunger strike.
Dallewal has been refusing medical assistance since November 26 of the previous year.
Attending doctors have reported a continuous decline in his health status.
His ketone levels are elevated, and he has lost muscle mass. However, farmer leader Kaka Singh Kotra asserted that the protest originated in Haryana, not Punjab.
Kotra stated that the fasting farmers are not advancing towards Delhi.
"We are engaged in a peaceful hunger strike near the protest location. The authorities are free to take action, whether that involves tear gas, force, or detaining farmers, but we will persist in our protest at this site,” he declared.
Haryana's Deputy Superintendent of Police Amit Bhatia mentioned ongoing discussions with farmer leaders, informing them about the enforcement of Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) at the protest area.
"We are exercising restraint and have urged farmer leaders to avoid causing any disruptions to public order," Bhatia conveyed to the press.
Just a day prior, farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar criticized the Union government for its failure to address their concerns.
"The Centre is neither willing to listen nor initiating dialogue or meeting our demands," Kohar expressed.
