Farmer Leader’s Hunger Strike Sparks Renewed Protests
In India, a 70-year-old farmer leader, Jagjit Singh Dallewal, has been on an indefinite hunger strike for over 40 days. His protest aims to pressure the federal government to address the demands of farmers who have been protesting since February of last year. Dallewal’s health has significantly deteriorated, with doctors reporting that he is “unable to speak.” Despite this, he and his supporters have declined medical assistance. The situation has drawn attention to the ongoing struggles faced by farmers in India, particularly in Punjab, where agriculture is a vital source of employment.
Who is Jagjit Singh Dallewal?
Jagjit Singh Dallewal hails from Punjab, a state heavily reliant on agriculture. Unfortunately, the region has seen a steady decline in farm incomes, leading to increased debt, farmer suicides, and migration. Dallewal is a prominent leader of a farmers’ group that is part of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, a coalition of various unions that coordinated the large-scale protests in 2020. His activism is not new; he has previously led protests against land acquisition and has advocated for compensation for families of farmers who have died by suicide.
Before initiating his current hunger strike, Dallewal was briefly hospitalized for a check-up but returned to the protest site shortly after, claiming he was detained. In a poignant letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he expressed his willingness to “sacrifice his life” to prevent further farmer deaths. His commitment highlights the desperation felt by many farmers in India, who continue to face numerous challenges in their livelihoods.
What’s Different About the Current Protest?
While the demands of the farmers remain largely unchanged from previous protests, the government’s response appears to be different this time. Farmers are still advocating for a legal guarantee of minimum support prices, loan waivers, pensions for agricultural workers, and compensation for families of deceased farmers. However, analysts note that the Modi government seems to be taking a more cautious approach in handling these protests.
During the 2020 protests, the federal government engaged in multiple rounds of negotiations with farmers, involving high-ranking officials. In contrast, when farmers recently attempted to march to Delhi, key ministers held only two rounds of talks, which did not yield any significant results. The government has since distanced itself from the protests, with Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stating that the government would follow directives from the Supreme Court regarding the situation. This shift in strategy may stem from the government’s desire to avoid a repeat of the prolonged protests that occurred in 2020.
What’s Next for the Farmers?
In September, the Supreme Court ordered the establishment of a committee to investigate the farmers’ demands. This committee submitted an interim report in November, highlighting the severe crisis faced by farmers in India. The report revealed that many farmers earn alarmingly low wages and are burdened by massive debts. It also noted that over 400,000 farmers and farm workers have died by suicide since 1995, underscoring the urgent need for action.
The committee proposed solutions, including direct income support for farmers. It is currently reviewing additional measures to enhance farm income and is expected to hold discussions with various farmers’ unions in January. However, some groups have opted not to participate, arguing that the negotiations have not been beneficial and that the committee should focus on creating a safe space for protests. As the situation evolves, the plight of farmers in India remains a pressing issue that demands attention and action from the government.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.