December 29th 2024.
Chandigarh: As Jagjit Singh Dallewal's hunger strike reached its 34th day on Sunday, farmer leaders at Khanauri emphasized that they are following the principles of Mahatma Gandhi in their protest. They also made it clear that it is the government's decision whether they want to use force to remove their senior leader from the protest site.
This statement comes amidst the Supreme Court's criticism of the Punjab government for not transferring Dallewal to a hospital. The farmers have been protesting at the Punjab-Haryana border for several demands, including a legal guarantee for minimum support price for crops.
Recently, a high-level team of Punjab government officials met Dallewal and urged him to seek medical treatment, even if he chooses to continue his fast. However, Dallewal has refused any medical aid so far.
Addressing the situation, farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar stated, "We want to clarify that since the beginning of this agitation, the Centre has been trying to suppress and defame us." He further added that there is a narrative being created that portrays farmers as stubborn, when in reality, it is the Centre that is showing an unyielding attitude towards their demands.
Kohar also emphasized that the farmers have been following the principles of non-violent protests, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi. He said, "Our peaceful protests have shown that even in the face of oppression from the government, we have continued to stand our ground." He also stated that the responsibility of any consequences lies with the government and constitutional bodies.
"We also want to appeal to the people of this country that our agitation for MSP guarantee has reached a critical stage. We are on the brink of victory. Dallewal has put his life at risk for this cause," Kohar added. He urged people to show their support by joining the protest at Khanauri border.
Kaka Singh Kotra, leader of Samyukt Kisan Morcha, also urged people to join the protest in large numbers and stated that Dallewal has made it clear that he is ready to sacrifice his life for the farmers of this country.
Meanwhile, the farmers have called for a "kisan mahapanchayat" at the Khanauri protest site on January 4. They have also called for a Punjab bandh on Monday, which has received support from various sections of society, including transporters, employees, traders, and religious bodies.
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher stated that while the bandh will be observed from 7am to 4pm, emergency services will remain operational. He also accused the Centre of ignoring the demands of farmers.
A high-level team of Punjab government officials, including Deputy Inspector General of Police Mandeep Singh Sidhu and retired Additional DGP Jaskaran Singh, visited Dallewal at the protest site on Sunday. However, Dallewal refused any medical treatment.
Responding to the Supreme Court's criticism of the Punjab government, Dallewal said in a video message, "I am on a fast. Who told the Supreme Court that I am being held hostage? Where did this misconception come from?" He also added that he is not under any pressure and is fasting to bring attention to the plight of farmers in this country.
Dallewal had earlier stated that he will not break his fast until the government agrees to the demands of the farmers. The Supreme Court has given the Punjab government time until December 31 to convince Dallewal to shift to a hospital, with the option to seek help from the Centre, if needed.
The state government has formed a team of doctors to monitor Dallewal's health round-the-clock. The farmers, under the banner of SKM and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, have been protesting at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points since February 13, after their march to Delhi was halted by security forces.
Despite facing resistance, the farmers have attempted to march to Delhi three times, with a group of 101 farmers making the journey between December 6 and 14. Their demands include a legal guarantee for MSP, debt waiver, pensions for farmers and farm labourers, no hike in electricity tariffs, the withdrawal of police cases, and justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
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