A Hunger for Justice: 121 Farmers End Their Fast at Khanauri

Khanauri, Haryana-Punjab Border: A group of 121 farmers who had been on a fast-unto-death since January 15 at the Khanauri protest site in solidarity with farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal ended their indefinite strike on Sunday after Dallewal received medical aid.

Dallewal, 70, had been fasting since November 26, refusing all aid until his health began to deteriorate. Faced with the government’s unwillingness to address their demands, Dallewal agreed on January 17 to take medical assistance after the Centre invited farmer leaders to talks scheduled for February 14 to discuss issues like the legal guarantee for minimum support prices (MSP) on crops.

The 111 farmers, who initially joined the protest on January 15, were later joined by 10 more from Haryana on January 17. Their hunger strike ended in the presence of Deputy Inspector General of Police Mandeep Singh Sidhu and Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police Nanak Singh.

While the fast has ended, farmer leaders made it clear that Dallewal’s fast will continue until there is a legal guarantee for MSP. The protest, marked by a demand for agricultural justice, reflects the ongoing struggle for farm rights and welfare.