As the farmers protest continues to escalate at the Punjab and Haryana border, about 111 more farmers are now participating in an indefinite hunger strike alongside farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal at the Khanuari Border.
The protestors are dressed in black robes and began protests near police barricades, where a heavy police presence was observed to maintain order. The hunger strike was announced by Kaka Singh Kotra, a prominent farmer leader. He said that their hunger strike would continue indefinitely until their demands are met.
Deteriorating Health of Jagjit Singh Dallewal
They will be protesting to press their demands to the center alongside Dallewal, who has been on a fast-unto-death strike for over 51 days, with his health conditions continuing to worsen. Dallewal, who is also the convenor of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (a non-political alliance), has been on indefinite fasting at the Khanuari border between Punjab and Haryana since November 2024. Despite being a cancer patient, and on state government’s appeal, he refused to give up and continues fasting. He also denied any medical aid during the fasting, leading to his health getting worse.
111 Farmers on Indefinite Hunger Strike
The 111 farmers have held their hunger strike in solidarity with Dallewal. They also held prayer before commencing the fast. They extended their concern over his deteriorating health, stating that 70-year-olds risk multiple organ failure because of prolonged fasting.
The agitation that started with a small group of farmers has now extended with increased support and after various farmers joined the movement. However, despite the health risks, the farmers remain consistent in their demands.
After talks with the officials of the Haryana Government, the farmers agreed to begin their strike a few meters from the designated site. As per farmer leader Kaka Singh Kotra, the protest started in the Haryana area and not in Punjab, with the area falling in Jind.
Section 163 of BNSS Implemented
Haryana DSP Amit Bhatia informed about his talks with the farmer leaders. He said that they have been told about the imposition of section 163 of the BNSS (Bhartiya Nyaya Suraksha Sanhita) 2023. Under this policy, it grants power to issue the orders in urgent cases. The orders can be issued by district magistrates, sub-divisional magistrates, or any other executive magistrates or state government. This order has been issued for immediate prevention or speedy remedy of the conflict.
“We are showing utmost restraint and requested the farmer leaders that no such action should be taken that creates a law-and-order problem,” said DSP Bhatia.
Farmer leader Kotra also said that Haryana Police has told them about this imposition.
“We told them the farmers were not heading to Delhi but sitting on a peaceful hunger strike near the morcha site. We told them the administration is free to use force. They can lob tear gas, use cane charge, or arrest the farmers, but they will continue at the site,” he added.
Kotra further said that tents and blankets were arranged by the farmers. A heavy police force has also deployed on the site. The health department of Punjab had also deployed medical teams and ambulances to tackle the emergency situation.
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