Jagjit Dallewal ends hunger strike after 131 days, says farmers protest still on

Jagjit Singh Dallewal, a prominent agricultural leader, concluded his indefinite hunger strike on Sunday after 131 days. He stressed that although he has concluded his fast, the farmers’ protest will continue. He started the fast on November 26 of the previous year to seek a legal assurance on minimum support prices (MSP) for crops and additional concerns highlighted by protesting farmers.

The decision was announced at a farmers’ gathering during a Kisan Mahapanchayat held in Sirhind, Fatehgarh Sahib district. Dallewal addressed the assembly and said, “You all have asked me to end the fast unto death. I am indebted to you for taking care of the agitation. I respect your sentiments. I accept your order.”

“Several farmers and leaders of the morcha requested that I end the indefinite hunger strike. Today, after agreeing with them, I have ended my indefinite hunger strike. The protest has not been called off; it is still ongoing,” he added.

The announcement followed appeals from Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu, who urged Dallewal on Saturday to end his fast.

Chouhan wrote on X, “The ongoing dialogue between the representatives of the Government of India and the representatives of farmers’ organisations regarding their demands is continuing. Farmer leader Shri Jagjit Singh Dallewal has now returned from hospital and we wish him a speedy recovery. We also request him to end his hunger strike and we will meet with the representatives of the farmers’ organisations for talks at 11 am on May 4 as per the already decided date.”

Bittu also appealed to Dallewal, saying, “Your health is more important, and your life is precious for the people of Punjab, as your leadership will always be needed for the struggle of farmers and farm labourers.”

Dallewal, who represents a joint forum of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), began his fast to press the central government to accept key demands, including the MSP law.

In January, after the Centre opened dialogue with farmer leaders, Dallewal started receiving medical care at the Khanauri protest site. However, he chose not to end his fast at that time.

The government has said it will meet farmer representatives again on May 4