Sirhind, Fatehgarh Sahib | April 6, 2025 — Senior farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal ended his indefinite hunger strike on Sunday after 131 days, asserting that while his personal fast has concluded, the farmers’ agitation will continue until their demands, especially a legal guarantee for minimum support prices (MSP), are met.
“I Accept Your Sentiments”: Dallewal to Fellow Protesters
The decision was announced at a Kisan Mahapanchayat held in Sirhind, Punjab, where Dallewal 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.”
He reiterated that the farmers’ protest has not been withdrawn:
“Several farmers and leaders of the morcha requested me to end the indefinite hunger strike… The protest has not been taken back, it is still on.”
Ministers Appeal for End to Fast, Promise Dialogue
Dallewal’s decision came after Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union MoS for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu personally appealed to him on Saturday to end the fast due to concerns over his deteriorating health.
Chouhan posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“Farmer leader Shri Jagjit Singh Dallewal has now returned from hospital… We request him to end his hunger strike. Talks with farmer representatives are scheduled for May 4.”
Bittu added:
“Your health is more important, and your life is precious for the people of Punjab, as your leadership will always be needed.”
Hunger Strike Began on November 26, 2024
Dallewal, who represents the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), launched his fast on November 26, 2024, pressing for:
- Legal guarantee of MSP for crops
- Resolution of other farmer grievances
In January, he began receiving medical care at the Khanauri protest site, but had refused to break his fast despite ongoing talks with the Centre.
Next Round of Talks on May 4
The government has confirmed that the next meeting with farmer representatives will be held on May 4, as previously scheduled, to continue discussions on the charter of demands.
As Dallewal ends his fast, farmer unions remain steadfast, signalling that while one battle may have paused, the larger war for agrarian rights continues.
