New Delhi: As many as 121 farmers undergoing an indefinite fast-unto-death at the Khanauri protest site to back farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal ended their hunger strike on Sunday. They called off their strike after Dallewal accepted medical help. The farmers ended their fast by drinking juice in the presence of Deputy Inspector General of Police Mandeep Singh Sidhu and Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police Nanak Singh.
Since November 26, 70-year-old Dallewal had been on a hunger strike. He declined medical assistance until Saturday. The farmer leader agreed to undergo treatment after the Centre extended an invitation for talks on February 14 to take up the demands of the farmers.
Fast ended after Centre offers to hold dialogue
A high-level Central delegation, led by Union Agriculture Ministry Joint Secretary Priya Ranjan, met with Dallewal and representatives from the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. During the meeting, the delegation extended an invitation to restart talks in Chandigarh on February 14.
Following the announcement of the proposed meeting, Dallewal agreed to get medical aid and was given treatment with an intravenous drip. However, farmer leaders have made it clear that Dallewal will not end his indefinite fast until a legal guarantee for the minimum support price (MSP) for crops is secured.
The SKM hailed the decision of farmer leader Dallewal to get medical support and wished him speedy recovery and good health. The SKM leadership called upon all farmers to respond and protest against the Centre, demanding the rollback of its anti-farmer policies.
The farmer leader said, “The ongoing efforts by SKM leaders for farmers’ unity and the Pan India agitation against the anti-farmer Union Government have compelled the Centre to withdraw from its divisive strategy.”
