The Supreme Court also asked the Centre and Punjab govt representatives to immediately meet Dallewal and immediately provide medical help. The top court also asked that a high powered panel be formed to meet agitating farmers and persuade them to temporarily suspend their protest or shift from highways.
Dallewal, protesting at the Khanauri border between Punjab and Haryana, has outlined 13 demands, including a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) for crops. His fast, now in its 17th day, has drawn attention to farmers’ longstanding issues. In an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dallewal wrote, “Ensuring MSP to every farmer is like the fundamental right to live.” He stated that if he were to die, the Central government would bear the responsibility.
Health concerns and escalating protest
Medical examinations have revealed that Dallewal’s health is critically deteriorating. A doctor attending to him reported significant weakness and recommended immediate hospitalization. Despite being a cancer patient, Dallewal has continued his hunger strike, underscoring his determination. Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and other leaders have called for immediate action, urging the Centre to address farmers’ grievances without delay.
Farmers under the banners of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have been protesting at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points since February 13. Attempts to march to Delhi have been repeatedly thwarted by security forces. Another march is planned for December 14.
Key demands and open letter
Dallewal’s demands include a debt waiver, pension for farmers and agricultural workers, withdrawal of police cases, and justice for victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence. The demands also extend to the reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and compensation for families of farmers who died during the 2020-21 agitation against the now-repealed farm laws.In his open letter, signed with his blood, Dallewal criticized the government’s failure to implement the “C2 plus 50%” formula suggested by the Swaminathan Commission. He wrote, “By not making a law on MSP, the Central government is pushing crores of farmers to poverty, debt, and death.”
Political and legal reactions
Senior political leaders, including Congress leaders Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Partap Singh Bajwa, have criticized the government’s inaction. Hooda stated, “The BJP government must give up its rigid attitude and talk to the protesting farmers.”
Meanwhile, advocate Vasu Ranjan Shandilya has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, seeking immediate intervention to safeguard Dallewal’s life and prevent potential unrest. Ambala Deputy Commissioner Parth Gupta has also requested Sangrur authorities to ensure proper medical care for Dallewal.
Prominent farmer leaders Rakesh Tikait and Harinder Singh Lakhowal are expected to visit the protest site on Friday to express solidarity. In a video message, Dallewal reiterated, “This is a fight for MSP. It is a fight for saving Punjab’s future and its water.” He appealed for greater public support, asserting that the government would engage in talks only when it recognized the protest’s resilience.
