Jagjit Singh Dallewal Ends Fast as Farmers’ Protests Cool at Borders

Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal ended his hunger strike on Friday after nearly four months. He had been fasting since November 26, 2024, demanding legal guarantees for Minimum Support Price (MSP) and other agricultural reforms. The Punjab government informed the Supreme Court that Dallewal, leader of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), accepted water, signaling the end of his protest fast.

Justice Surya Kant welcomed the news, calling Dallewal a “true farmer leader” who prioritizes the farming community’s welfare. The hunger strike had intensified ongoing farmer protests at the Punjab-Haryana border. Farmers, under the banners of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, began their agitation in February 2024. They demanded legal MSP, debt relief, and the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations.

Protesters attempted to march to Parliament but faced police blockades. On February 13, 2024, authorities stopped them at the Punjab-Haryana border. Tensions escalated on February 21, leading to violent clashes at the Khanauri border. One protester, 21-year-old Shubh Karan Singh, died, and several others, including police personnel, sustained injuries.

The Haryana government appealed to the Supreme Court after the Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered the removal of the border blockade. The Supreme Court criticized the Punjab government for not hospitalizing Dallewal despite medical concerns. In December 2024, the court rebuked Punjab authorities for not persuading the 67-year-old cancer patient to accept medical aid. It later issued contempt notices to the Punjab Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police for non-compliance.

By January, the court paused contempt proceedings after Dallewal agreed to medical treatment and farmer unions resumed negotiations. On March 19, 2025, the Punjab government cleared the highways, and Haryana authorities removed barricades, restoring traffic flow.

Attorney General Gurminder Singh updated the court on these developments. The bench expressed satisfaction, emphasizing that open highways are crucial for economic activity and public welfare.

The Supreme Court had also appointed a high-powered committee (HPC) in September 2024 to address farmers’ demands. Led by former Punjab and Haryana High Court judge Nawab Singh, the committee included agricultural experts and representatives from NITI Aayog. It examined issues like MSP, direct income support, and sustainable farming.

In November 2024, the committee submitted its first report, warning of rising farmer debt, declining incomes, and environmental challenges like stubble burning. It recommended serious consideration of legal MSP and urged urgent policy action. In February 2025, the committee submitted another report, which the Supreme Court has yet to review.

As the farmers’ protests ease and normalcy returns, the focus now shifts to the court’s response to the HPC’s findings.