Jagjit Singh Dallewal, a prominent farmer leader, concluded his indefinite hunger strike by accepting water on Friday morning, a development confirmed by the Punjab government during a Supreme Court hearing. The update came as part of a broader report on efforts to resolve ongoing farmer protests.
In court, Punjab’s Advocate General Gurminder Singh informed Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh that authorities had successfully dispersed protesting farmers at the Khanauri and Shambhu border points. Blocked roads and highways in the region, previously obstructed for over a year, have now been reopened. The justices praised Dallewal’s leadership, describing him as a sincere advocate for farmers’ rights, free of political motives.
“We’re not detached from reality,” the bench remarked, acknowledging attempts by some to hinder resolution of the farmers’ grievances. The court directed both the Punjab and Haryana governments to submit a detailed status report on the current situation. Additionally, it instructed a high-powered committee, led by a former high court judge, to provide an updated supplementary report addressing the farmers’ concerns.
The Supreme Court also withdrew contempt proceedings against Punjab’s chief secretary and Director General of Police. The action followed their earlier failure to comply with a court order to ensure medical assistance for Dallewal during his fast.
Tensions had escalated on March 19 when Dallewal and fellow farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher were reportedly detained in Mohali. The incident occurred as they returned from discussions with a central government delegation. That same day, Punjab Police cleared protest sites at Shambhu and Khanauri, dismantling temporary setups, stages, trolleys, and vehicles used by the farmers.
Since February 13 of last year, farmers affiliated with the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have been stationed at these border points between Punjab and Haryana. Their planned march to Delhi was halted by security forces, sparking a prolonged standoff that has now seen significant progress.