Protesting Farmers Announce 'Kisan Mahapanchayat' On January 4 Amid Dallewal's Health Concerns

Farmers will hold a 'Kisan mahapanchayat' on January 4th amid concerns over Jagjit Singh Dallewal's health, who has been fasting for over a month.

Protesting farmers have called for a 'Kisan Mahapanchayat' on January 4.

Source : PTI

The protesting farmers have called for a 'Kisan mahapanchayat' on January 4 at the Khanauri border protest site amid concerns over farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal's deteriorating health. 

Earlier, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha had given a call for a Punjab Bandh on December 30. 

The move comes amid a rebuke by the Supreme Court to the Punjab government for not shifting Dallewal, who has been fasting for over a month, to a hospital. 

The 70-year-old farmer leader has been on an indefinite hunger strike which entered its 33rd day on Saturday, said SKM (non-political) leader Kaka Singh Kotra. 

"On January 4 at Khanauri, we will hold a big Kisan Mahapanchayat in which farmers from various states will participate," Kotra told reporters at the Khanauri protest site. 

While the Supreme Court reprimanded the Punjab government on Saturday, it also indicated the possibility that Dallewal may have not been allowed to be taken to a hospital by other farmer leaders. 

In response, Dallewal released a video message stating: "I am sitting on a fast. Who gave this report in the Supreme Court and who spread this misconception that I have been kept hostage, where did such a thing come from?" 

"Seven lakh farmers of this country have committed suicide due to debt. To save farmers is necessary, therefore, I am sitting here, I am not under anyone's pressure," he said further. 

The farmer leader also said in the video message that he has written a letter to the Supreme Court requesting it to direct the Centre to accept the farmers' demands, including a legal guarantee of the minimum support price on crops.

Earlier, Dallewal said he would not break his fast till the government agreed to the demands of the farmers.