THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Chandigarh, Jan 19: 121 farmers, who had been on a hunger strike (fast-unto-death) at the Khanauri protest site in support of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, called off their indefinite strike on Sunday after he accepted medical assistance.
The hunger strike ended today when the farmers sipped juice in the presence of Deputy Inspector General of Police Mandeep Singh Sidhu and Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police Nanak Singh.
70-year-old Dallewal, who had been refusing any form of aid since beginning his fast on November 26, agreed to receive medical help after the Centre invited him for talks on February 14 to address the demands of farmers.
Also Read- Jharkhand News: Weed, empty liquor bottles found in hostel searches at MMCH Daltonganj
The fast-unto-death gained momentum when 111 farmers joined Dallewal on January 15, sitting on the Haryana side of the border near Khanauri. Two days later, 10 more farmers from Haryana joined the protest.
A Central government delegation, led by Union Agriculture Ministry Joint Secretary Priya Ranjan, met with Dallewal and representatives of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha on Saturday. The delegation extended an invitation for talks on February 14 in Chandigarh. In light of the proposed discussions, Dallewal agreed to medical intervention, which included an intravenous drip.
Despite accepting medical help, farmer leaders emphasized that Dallewal would continue his fast until the government provides a legal guarantee for the minimum support price (MSP) for crops.
