The Shadow of Farmer Protests Looms Over Delhi Again: The Perilous Path of Dallewal's Hunger Strike

Once again, the farmers' movement presents a challenge for the central government. The deteriorating condition of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal due to his hunger strike could provoke a strong reaction from farmers.
Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal's health condition remains critical.

Source: aajtak

The farmers' movement has become a thorn in the side of the central government. Protests are intensifying at the Khanauri border of Punjab and Haryana. Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal has been on a hunger strike for 28 days. Clearly, the government is at a loss about how to prevent this movement from reaching Delhi. Dallewal, afflicted by cancer, is in deteriorating health, while a parliamentary committee has already endorsed the farmers' demands. The impasse lies in neither side yielding ground, and there's no adept leader emerging to mediate a middle path.

1. Dallewal's Hunger Strike Escalates Farmer Unrest

On the Punjab-Haryana border at Khanauri, farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal's 27-day hunger strike continues to worsen his condition. Although the Supreme Court ordered a temporary hospital by the protest site, the farmers are adamant that authorities should not interfere even if health deteriorates. This highlights increasing tension. Farmers have issued warnings to the government, stating if forced removal is attempted, the police will have to deal with severe repercussions. They've set up six layers of barricading to prevent any administrative approach to Dallewal. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher has explicitly warned that the movement will persist until legal guarantees for MSP, debt relief, and other demands are secured from the central government. A medical team that examined Dallewal on Friday notes his worsening condition, unable to lift his hand or open his eyes. Imagine the turmoil if anything happens to him.

2. Parliamentary Support Energizes Farmer Leaders

Support from a parliamentary committee has invigorated the moral boost of farmer leaders. According to a report by Hindustan, Dallewal appealed to the Supreme Court, citing the parliamentary committee's recommendations be acted upon by the government. A Business Standard report mentions a parliamentary panel recommending legally mandated minimum support prices (MSP) for agricultural produce, suggesting such actions can significantly reduce farmer suicides and ensure financial stability.

Headed by Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi, the committee firmly recommends the agricultural department to expediently enforce MSP as a legal guarantee. Such a measure isn't only seen as safeguarding farmers' livelihood but also a catalyst for rural economic growth and bolstering national food security. This empowerment has emboldened farmers to press their demands.

3. Rising Numbers: Farmer Organizations Reuniting

Since November 26, Jagjit Singh Dallewal's hunger strike has reignited discourse around the farmers' movement. His indefatigable resolve has breathed new vigor into the dissent. Leaders from major political parties and religious figures are rallying in support. Movements to halt trains have emerged in solidarity, shifting focus to the Khanauri border from Shambhu, where Dallewal currently stages his strike. Visits from leaders like Gurnam Singh Chaduni highlight the potential for renewed unity among farmers, with many organizations from Haryana joining. At Khanauri, swathes of farmer trolleys block roads even 5 kilometers away. Congressman Charanjit Singh Channi also met Dallewal at Khanauri, expressing concerns over governmental neglect, reminiscent of how political squabbles get immediate attention in Delhi, yet the farmers' persistence goes overlooked. Sarwan Singh Pandher called for a Punjab shutdown on December 30 as a protest.

4. Khalistani Influence: A Potential Surge

From the onset, Khalistani factions have backed the farmers’ stir. They remain poised to co-opt any unrest if coercive actions or misfortunes befall the protestors. Meanwhile, Khalistani activities are on the rise. In a joint operation, Punjab and UP police eliminated three operatives of the Khalistani Commando Force in Pilibhit, discovering two AK-47s. With AAP governing the state, Khalistani elements might exploit perceived weaknesses to orchestrate chaos.

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