Farmers’ Protest Gains Momentum: Dallewal joins Maha Panchayat on stretcher in Ferozepur
Ferozepur, April 4, 2025: The farmers' agitation in Punjab is intensifying as Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta Sidhupur) organized a farmers' conference at Dana Mandi Cantonment in Ferozepur. A large number of farmers, including women, participated in the event.
Dallewal has been on an indefinite hunger strike since November 26 last year over the MSP Bill and various other demands. He started taking medical aid at the Khanauri protest site after the Centre invited the farmer leaders for talks in January, but did not end his fast. On March 31, Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM, non-political) staged dharnas outside the homes of AAP ministers and MLAs, condemning the police crackdown on farmers at Shambhu and Khanauri borders.
Jagjit Singh Dallewal, despite his deteriorating health, arrived at the conference in an ambulance and was taken to the stage on a stretcher. Addressing the gathering, he reiterated his commitment to the farmers' struggle, stating, “We have been betrayed, but this fight will continue, no matter how many times governments try to deceive us.”
Speaking on the Waqf Board Bill, Dallewal accused the government of engaging in divisive politics. He alleged that minority communities were being suppressed and that interference in Sikh Gurdwara Committees was unacceptable.
On the issue of increased U.S. tariffs, Dallewal claimed that America was pressuring India to weaken its economy and take control of land. He warned the Indian government against surrendering to such agreements, stating that if necessary, people would rise in protest.
Meanwhile, Kisan Mahapanchayat continues across Punjab, with meetings scheduled in different districts till April 11. The growing unrest has also fuelled anger against the AAP government, with residents of Bathinda’s Chauke village banning AAP leaders over a recent police crackdown on protesting teachers.
Despite the protests, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal announced plans to visit Punjab’s villages, prompting reactions from farmer leaders. “Let’s see how farmers welcome him,” remarked Rajinder Singh Deep Singh Wala.
Kisan Mahapanchayats will now be held on April 5 at Patiala, followed by Fatehgarh Sahib, Barnala, Muktsar, Fazilka, Amritsar and Mansa on April 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11, respectively.