Farmers in Punjab have declared a state-wide bandh on Monday, December 30, 2024, leading to a complete shutdown of shops and significant disruptions in road and rail transport across the state. As per media reports, emergency services remained operational during the bandh, which is scheduled to last from 7 am to 4 pm. In addition to transport disruptions, the supply of essential commodities such as milk, fruits, and vegetables had been suspended until the protest concluded on Monday evening. This comes as various trade organisations and unions extended their support to the farmers’ call for a bandh.
According to farmer union leaders, a chakka jam will be strictly enforced on major roads and railway tracks during the bandh. Both government and private institutions have been urged to remain closed for the day. However, emergency vehicles, including ambulances and those related to weddings or critical situations, will be allowed to pass. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, led by Sarwan Singh Pandher, spearheaded the call for the bandh. They have garnered the backing of diverse groups, including traders, transporters, employee unions, toll plaza workers, labour organisations, ex-servicemen, Sarpanches, teachers’ unions, and other social and professional bodies.
A key aspect of the ongoing protests is the hunger strike by farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been fasting for over one month to push for the implementation of 13 critical farm-related demands. Dallewal began his hunger strike on November 26, 2024, despite being hospitalised in Ludhiana due to his deteriorating health. In a show of solidarity, Sukhjit Singh Hardojhande, another prominent farmer leader, has continued the hunger strike on Dallewal’s behalf at the Khanauri protest site. The hunger strike has become a rallying point for the farmers, drawing widespread attention to their cause.
The protests being led by farmers are here to stay as they have also announced plans for a large-scale “Kisan Mahapanchayat” on 4 January 2025, to be held at the Khanauri protest site. Despite freezing temperatures and repeated roadblocks, the farmers remain determined, vowing to continue their fight for justice and reforms in agricultural policies. With the protests now at a critical juncture, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the outcome of their demands. This event aims to bring together farmer leaders and supporters from various states to discuss the ongoing issues and the Union’s inaction. The announcement of the Maha Panchayat comes amidst concerns over Dallewal’s worsening health and the farmers’ determination to escalate their movement.
Impact of the bandh
Farmers associated with SKM (Non-Political) and KMM have been protesting at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13, 2024, after their march to Delhi was thwarted by security forces. In December pf 2024 itself, a “jatha” of 101 farmers made three attempts to march to the national capital on foot—on December 6, 8, and 14—only to be blocked by security personnel in Haryana each time. Despite these setbacks, the farmers remain steadfast, continuing their sit-ins and road blockades.
Today’s bandh is a continuation of their efforts to highlight long-standing grievances. Security has been tightened across the state, with farmers gathering at key locations, including highways and railway stations, from as early as 6:30 am. Over 150 trains, including the Vande Bharat Express, have been cancelled, and 13 others have been rescheduled. All educational institutions across the state remain closed, while emergency services continue to function. Blockades have been installed at approximately 280 points, bringing road and rail traffic to a standstill in many areas. Farmers also staged dharnas at various locations, including the Muktsar-Kotkapura road near Udekaran village and the Hoshiarpur-Phagwara Bypass, despite the severe cold wave gripping the region.
Community support and solidarity
Speaking from a special stage set up due to his deteriorating health, Dallewal had addressed the farmers last week, expressing his gratitude for their support and emphasising the need for unity in their fight. “This battle will be won only if the whole country fights unitedly,” he stated in a frail voice. He also appealed to Haryana, Punjab’s “younger brother,” and other states to strengthen the movement. “Either we will win or die, one of two things will happen,” he declared, as farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar assisted him during his speech.
The bandh has received overwhelming support from Punjab residents, with various groups contributing to its success. In Jalandhar’s Bhogpur, farmers organised a langar to provide food for commuters stranded due to disrupted rail services. Medical professionals across the state have also extended their support to the farmers’ movement. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher praised the people of Punjab for their wholehearted participation in the bandh and noted the widespread acceptance of the protest, evidenced by the scale of blockades and public cooperation.
The protest has also attracted political backing, with SAD leader Parvinder Singh Sohana and other party members visiting a protest site in Mohali to express solidarity with the farmers. The farmers’ movement, fuelled by a combination of grassroots mobilisation and community support, continues to gain momentum as the demands for justice and action grow louder.
On Saturday, December 28, renowned climate activist Sonam Wangchuk from Ladakh visited Dallewal at the Khanauri protest site to express solidarity. Wangchuk, who himself had undertaken a 16-day fast-unto-death earlier this year to advocate for Ladakh’s administrative concerns, described his visit as a gesture of goodwill and support from the people of Ladakh.
Supreme Court’s criticism of punjab government’s handling of Dallewal’s health
Dallewal, aged 70, has been on an indefinite fast since November 26, 2024, to press for a range of demands crucial to the farming community. These demands include a legal guarantee for the minimum support price (MSP) of crops, which has been one of the central issues fuelling the ongoing farmer protests at various border points between Punjab and Haryana. Dallewal’s fast, which has now entered its 35th day, is part of a broader movement led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha.
The fast by leader Dallewal, and his deteriorating heath, has also drawn the eyes of the Supreme Court, with a special bench being set up on Saturday. On December 28, 2024, the Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Sudhashu Dhulia had sharply criticised the Punjab government for its failure to ensure that farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal received proper medical treatment as his health continued to deteriorate. Justice Surya Kant, addressing the Punjab Chief Secretary during the court proceedings, stated that those resisting Dallewal’s hospitalisation were not his well-wishers. The Supreme Court’s remarks came in the context of a contempt petition filed against the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police (DGP) of Punjab, accusing them of failing to comply with an earlier order requiring medical assistance for Dallewal and efforts to convince him to seek hospital care.
The Supreme Court had previously issued a directive on December 20, instructing the Punjab government to ensure Dallewal’s medical needs were met, including the option of moving him to a hospital. However, the state authorities expressed difficulty in transferring Dallewal due to resistance from protesting farmers. This delay in complying with the Court’s order has now led to growing concerns, with the Court pushing for a resolution. Justice Kant ordered that if the situation warranted, the Punjab government should seek assistance from the Centre to facilitate Dallewal’s hospitalisation. The Court gave the Punjab government a final deadline of December 31, 2024, to convince Dallewal to accept medical care. A compliance report was due by December 28, and the Chief Secretary and DGP were ordered to be present for the hearing.
The Supreme Court had previously instructed the Punjab government to provide medical aid to Dallewal and ensure that he was moved to a makeshift hospital established near the protest site, located 700 metres from the Khanauri border. However, the Punjab government expressed its inability to move Dallewal due to growing resistance from farmers, some of whom have gathered around him to prevent any intervention. The state representatives claimed they were in a difficult position, as the protesters had mobilised, especially the youth, to block any attempt to hospitalise Dallewal. Despite these obstacles, the Court expressed frustration with the state’s handling of the matter and warned that this could amount to “abetment of suicide.”
The Supreme Court further questioned why the situation had been allowed to escalate to this level, stating that the government’s failure to intervene had put Dallewal’s life in jeopardy. The Bench made it clear that if the Punjab government failed to take action, they might be compelled to use force to shift Dallewal to a hospital, risking further escalation. The Court also suggested that the state could seek help from the Union, if necessary, to avoid a situation where the farmer leader’s health deteriorates further.
Punjab Government’s unsuccessful attempts amidst farmer opposition
The Punjab government’s response to the situation has been complex and fraught with difficulty. An official from the state government had admitted, as per the Indian Express, that attempts to convince Dallewal to end his hunger strike peacefully had been unsuccessful. Dallewal, adamant in his resolve, has refused medical treatment and insists that he will not break his fast until the government agrees to the farmers’ demands, particularly the MSP guarantee and a debt waiver for farmers. The government has tried to approach Dallewal with a “clean slate” to find a solution that would ensure compliance with the Supreme Court’s order without triggering violent clashes.
However, there are fears within the Punjab government that using force to admit Dallewal to a hospital could lead to serious consequences, including loss of life. Farmers guarding Dallewal are prepared for the worst, and any use of force could ignite further unrest. As per multiple media reports, Kisan Mazdoor Morcha leader Sarwan Singh Pandher has made it clear that the farmers are willing to face whatever consequences may arise. Pandher warned that if the government used force to remove Dallewal, the farmers would hold the authorities responsible for any bloodshed. He also urged the youth from surrounding areas to mobilise at the Khanauri border to prevent the police from taking action during the night.
The situation has placed the Punjab government in a difficult position, as it must balance the Supreme Court’s directive with the escalating protests at the Khanauri border. The government is trying to find a way to comply with the Court’s orders while avoiding a forceful confrontation. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who had been out of the country, returned to India recently and reportedly held discussions with senior officials, including the DGP and Chief Secretary, to devise a strategy to resolve the issue.
Despite the government’s efforts to mediate, the farmers remain steadfast in their demands, which include a legal guarantee for MSP, debt waivers, and justice for victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Punjab unit) has condemned the indifference shown by both the state and central governments, calling for immediate intervention as Dallewal’s health continues to worsen.
Additionally, in a bid to intensify pressure on the Union government to address their demands and concerns over Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s health, protesting farmers’ leaders are planning to request a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu during the first week of January. Additionally, a rally is set to take place in Moga, Punjab, on January 9, where various farmer-related issues will be raised.
Dallewal denies being held hostage amid health crisis
It is essential to note that as remarks made by the Supreme Court hit the news, a video message was released on December 28, wherein Dallewal had directly addressed the claims made in the Supreme Court regarding his alleged confinement during his hunger strike. He rejected the notion that he was being held hostage, questioning, “I am sitting on a fast. Who gave this report to the Supreme Court, and who spread this misconception that I have been kept hostage? Where did such a thing come from?” As per the report of the Hindustan Times, the veteran leader, who has refused medical treatment during his fast, emphasised that his decision to continue the hunger strike was based on his own convictions and the critical issues affecting farmers in India, particularly their debt burden. He stated firmly, “Seven lakh farmers in this country have committed suicide due to debt. Saving farmers is necessary, therefore, I am sitting here. I am not under anyone’s pressure.”
Dallewal’s rejection of these claims underscores the level of resolve he has in continuing his protest despite mounting pressure and deteriorating health. He remains resolute in his stance that he will only break his fast once the government addresses the core demands of the farmers.
The failure of the government to address these demands has led to an extended deadlock. Attempts to end Dallewal’s fast through negotiation have largely been unsuccessful. On the evening of December 28, a delegation led by retired Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Jaskaran Singh visited Dallewal in an attempt to convince him to accept medical assistance, but their efforts yielded no result. Singh, who later spoke alone with Dallewal, was unable to persuade the leader to end his fast or accept medical intervention. According to a senior police officer involved in the negotiations, “We can only request him (Dallewal) to understand the gravity of the situation, but despite repeated attempts, we haven’t been able to make any breakthrough so far.”
Farmer leader Sukhjeet Singh also mentioned that Punjab government officials had made two separate proposals to Dallewal, but both were rejected. He added that a third meeting was scheduled to take place, during which the officials hoped to offer a concrete solution, particularly in securing a meeting between the farmers’ representatives and the Union. Such a meeting, it is believed, could lead to Dallewal agreeing to receive medical care.
The long-running protest and the Government’s position- A stalemate
The ongoing protest by farmers, primarily from Punjab, at the Punjab-Haryana border has been in place since February 13 of this year. It began when the farmers’ “Chalo Delhi” march was stopped by security forces, preventing them from reaching the national capital to voice their demands for the legal guarantee of MSP. The farmers’ protests, organised by groups like the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, have continued through various phases, including a series of failed negotiations with the government.
Despite the long duration of the protests, the government has not been able to resolve the issues, leading to frustration on both sides. In an attempt to de-escalate tensions, Punjab government officials have held multiple discussions with Dallewal. However, each time, the proposals have been rejected by the protesting leader. The continued refusal to accept medical aid has left the government in a difficult position, as the Supreme Court has ordered that Dallewal be given medical treatment and moved to the hospital if necessary. However, the government faces resistance from the farmers, particularly those at the Khanauri border, who are determined to prevent any forceful eviction of their leader.
Despite the high stakes and intense pressure, farmer leaders have remained committed to a peaceful, non-violent approach, adhering to Gandhian principles. Abhimanyu Kohar, another leader involved in the protests, has been vocal about the government’s attempts to undermine the farmers’ movement and defame the protestors. Kohar argued that the narrative being pushed—that farmers are stubborn and unwilling to negotiate—is a distortion of the reality on the ground. “It is the Centre that is adopting such an attitude, not listening to us, and not paying any attention to farmers’ demands,” Kohar stated during a press conference at the Khanauri protest site, as per the Hindustan Times.
Kohar further emphasised that despite enduring significant hardships and oppression from the government, the farmers have stayed committed to the principles of non-violence. He explained, “We are continuing our agitation by adopting Gandhian principles. Our agitations have proven that, despite enduring so much due to the government’s oppression, we have continued to protest in a Gandhian manner.” The farmers, he stressed, are not seeking violence but are simply asking for their legitimate demands to be met.
Kohar also called on the people of India to rally in large numbers at the Khanauri border, as the protest enters a decisive phase. He claimed that the agitation has reached the threshold of victory and that it is now up to the government to decide how to proceed. “Dallewal has put his life at stake,” he said, emphasising the gravity of the situation and the farmers’ unwavering commitment to their cause.
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann criticises BJP and PM Modi over farmers’ protest
The situation remains highly volatile, with the farmers continuing their protests at key border points in Punjab and Haryana. While there are ongoing efforts by the Punjab government and police to mediate a resolution, the protests show no sign of ending soon. The central government’s reluctance to meet the farmers’ demands, particularly concerning MSP guarantees, has kept the deadlock in place. The farmers’ resolve to fight for their rights, particularly the right to a fair income for their produce, continues to fuel the ongoing protest.
On December 24, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had lashed out at the BJP-led Union government, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to end his “stubbornness” and engage in dialogue with farmers protesting at the state’s border. The farmers are seeking a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price for crops, among other demands. Mann’s remarks came in response to criticism from Punjab BJP president Sunil Kumar Jakhar, who questioned the timing of Mann’s upcoming Australia visit, especially with the state facing significant issues like the ongoing farmers’ protests.
In a tweet posted on his X handle, Mann made a pointed comparison, asking, “If Modi ji can stop the war between Russia and Ukraine, then can’t he talk to the farmers sitting 200 kilometres away (from Delhi)? What time are you waiting for?” This remark reflects Mann’s frustration with the union government’s handling of farmers’ demands.
ਕੇੰਦਰ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਨੂੰ ਆਪਣੀ ਪੁਰਾਣੀ ਜ਼ਿੱਦ ਛੱਡ ਕੇ ਕਿਸਾਨ ਜਥੇਬੰਦੀਆਂ ਨਾਲ ਗੱਲ-ਬਾਤ ਦਾ ਰਾਹ ਖੋਲਣਾ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ…ਕਬੂਤਰ ਦੇ ਅੱਖਾਂ ਮੀਚਣ ਨਾਲ ਬਿੱਲੀ ਨਹੀਂ ਭੱਜਦੀ..ਸੈੰਟਰ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਪਤਾ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੁਣ ਕਿਹੜੀ ਤਪੱਸਿਆ ਕਰ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ ?? ਜੇ ਮੋਦੀ ਜੀ ਰੂਸ ਤੇ ਯੂਕਰੇਨ ਦੀ ਜੰਗ ਰੁਕਵਾ ਸਕਦੇ ਨੇ ਤਾਂ 200 ਕਿੱਲੋਮੀਟਰ ਤੇ ਬੈਠੇ ਅੰਨਦਾਤਿਆਂ ਨਾਲ ਨਹੀੰ ਗੱਲ…
— Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) December 24, 2024
Further criticising the Union government, Mann accused the Modi administration of showing “step-motherly treatment” towards farmers and failing to address their legitimate concerns. In a statement to the media, he claimed that while Prime Minister Modi was actively engaging in global matters, while he was neglecting the pressing issues faced by the nation’s farmers. Mann pointed out that despite the serious and genuine demands of farmers, the government had been “blatantly ignoring” them, which he described as highly “deplorable.”
Mann’s remarks also touched upon the Prime Minister’s international image, suggesting that Modi’s focus on emerging as a “global leader” by intervening in global conflicts had overshadowed his responsibility to resolve domestic issues. “It is unfortunate that the prime minister is more worried about emerging as ‘global leader’ by intervening in international affairs rather than resolving the issues faced by the countrymen,” Mann added, expressing his dissatisfaction with the central government’s priorities.
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