19 December2024, New Delhi: A farmer leader, Jagjit Singh Dallewal, is on a perilous journey, his life hanging by a thread. For over 20 days, he has been on a hunger strike, demanding a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops. As his health deteriorates, the central government’s deafening silence raises serious concerns about its priorities and empathy.
Dallewal’s protest is part of a broader movement by Punjab farmers. Since February 13, they have been staging a sit-in at the Punjab-Haryana border, demanding justice and recognition. This prolonged protest, now stretching into its tenth month, echoes the historic 13-month-long farmers’ agitation of 2020-21 that compelled the government to repeal three contentious farm laws.
A Broken Promise
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously acknowledged the government’s shortcomings in addressing farmers’ concerns during the 2020-21 protests. He apologized for the inability to convince farmers and promised to rectify the situation. However, the government’s current stance on MSP demands seems to contradict these earlier assurances.
Dallewal’s unwavering determination has garnered widespread support. Opposition parties, farmer unions, and even Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar have voiced their solidarity with the farmers’ cause. Dhankhar has urged the government to heed the farmers’ demands, emphasizing the critical importance of MSP and the dire consequences of ignoring their plight.
Government’s Indifference
Despite the growing public outcry and the deteriorating health of the farmer leader, the government remains unmoved. The use of force to prevent farmers from marching to Delhi further underscores the government’s indifference to their legitimate concerns.
Dallewal’s open letter to Prime Minister Modi, written in blood, is a poignant testament to the desperation of farmers who are willing to sacrifice their lives for their rights. The government’s continued silence raises serious questions about its commitment to the welfare of the farming community.
It is imperative that the government listens to the voice of the farmers and takes immediate action to address their demands. The future of Indian agriculture and the livelihoods of millions of farmers depend on it.
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