Farmers at Khanauri border have announced to start mass fast unto death from Wednesday. 111 farmers will participate in this fast, who will remain on fast unto death until their demands are met. Farmers wearing black clothes will sit near the police barricading from 2 pm. The special thing is that the farmers included in this batch will not be replaced by any other farmer.
Farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar said that being saddened by the strict attitude of the central government, the decision of mass fast has been taken. Farmers say that they cannot see their leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal dying. However, there has been no clear response so far regarding the support of Sanyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM).
Reason for farmers’ struggle
- Jagjit Singh Dallewal is on fast unto death for 50 days.
- Their demand is that legal guarantee should be given for the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
- Farmers say that they now have no option left but mass fast.
Rakesh Tikait, farmer leader, said:
“This decision has been taken with sadness. The attitude of the central government towards the farmers is very disappointing.”
Challenge for administrative and health department
The announcement of mass fast unto death has created new challenges for the administrative officials and the health department.
- Preparations:
- New teams of doctors will be deployed to monitor the health of the farmers sitting on hunger strike.
- The district administration has started preparations for necessary arrangements.
Health condition of Jagjit Singh Dallewal
- Dallewal’s fast unto death continued for the 50th day on Tuesday.
- The team of doctors took stock of his health and took blood samples.
- SSP Patiala Nanak Singh said:
- Dallewal’s health is weakening, and he is now unable to even speak properly.
- His blood report will come in the next 24 hours.
farmers’ strategy
- Farmers say that if their leader can remain hungry and thirsty for 50 days, then they too will not step back from following the path shown by their leader.
- Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) has prepared a list of 111 farmers for mass fast.
Potential impact of movement
- This step of farmers can increase pressure on the central government.
- It will be a big challenge for the administration to maintain the health and law and order of the farmers sitting on hunger strike.
- The issue of legal guarantee of MSP has once again become the center of political discussion.
