The hunger strike of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal continues today on its 51st day at the Khanoori Farmers’ Morcha. Concerned about Dallewal’s deteriorating health, 111 farmer groups initiated a hunger strike at Khanoori border, making the total number of protesters on hunger strike at the site rise to 112.

While discussing the situation, farmer leaders stated that in their fight for their rights, protesting farmers have only one way left—to continue peaceful demonstrations and hunger strikes to make their voices heard by the government. They reminded that before India’s independence, Mahatma Gandhi also undertook fasting for the rights of the people, and during that time, the British government resolved issues through dialogue. Today, independent India is regarded as the largest democratic country in the world. However, in this same democratic country, the government responds to peaceful hunger strikers by deploying police forces to suppress them.

After offering prayers and requesting blessings at the Khanoori stage, 111 farmer groups, dressed in black, placed martyrdom plaques in memory of their sacrifices, following Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s example, and commenced their hunger strike within Haryana’s borders. A medical team has been stationed to check the health of the farmers participating in the strike.