Farmer Leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal Detained Ahead of Indefinite Fast at Khanauri Border

Punjab : The tension at Khanauri border escalated as Jagjit Singh Dallewal, a prominent farmer leader, was detained by Punjab Police early on Tuesday, just hours before he was set to begin an indefinite fast in protest. Dallewal, a key figure in the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), had planned to sit on a hunger strike to highlight ongoing farmer issues, but was forcibly removed from his shelter near the border at dawn.

Around 200 police personnel from Patiala and Sangrur were deployed in a secretive operation, swiftly taking Dallewal to Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMC&H) in Ludhiana for a check-up. Dallewal, however, refused to eat or drink, intensifying the standoff. His detention sparked outrage among farmer unions, and activists gathered in large numbers at Khanauri border in protest.

The hospital has been turned into a high-security zone with dozens of policemen stationed both inside and outside. Access to Dallewal has been restricted, and he remains under strict medical observation. The operation, conducted without public knowledge, took place quietly to avoid confrontation with the protesting farmers.

Farmer Protests Escalate

The detainment of Dallewal has intensified the ongoing protests. Sukhjeet Singh Hardo Jhande, another farmer leader, has now launched his own indefinite fast at the Khanauri border in solidarity. Prominent leaders, including Fatehgarh Sahib MP Amar Singh and senior Congress leader Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, have condemned the detention, further inflaming tensions.

In response to the situation, Sarwan Singh Pandher, another key leader, issued a 10-day ultimatum to the central government, demanding that they begin talks to resolve the farmer issues. If the talks do not begin by December 6, Pandher warned, farmers will begin marching towards Delhi in large numbers. He also expressed dissatisfaction with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, accusing him of betraying farmers’ interests.

Political Reactions

Meanwhile, BJP minister Ravneet Singh Bittu claimed that Dallewal’s detention was a state-level move orchestrated by the Punjab government, with no involvement from central agencies. Bittu suggested that the state government was trying to shift the blame onto the Centre to distract from the real issue. He reiterated that the central government remains committed to the welfare of farmers.

The confrontation at Khanauri is part of a larger farmer struggle that has gained momentum since 2020. Farmers continue to demand the repeal of controversial farm laws and greater support from both the state and central governments.

Shambhu Border Incident

Elsewhere, there was a brief flare-up at Shambhu Border on National Highway-44, where laborers were seen dismantling a concrete slab on the bridge. Upon seeing the activity, protesting farmers started to move towards the border, but the work was halted by paramilitary forces. Police quickly arrived on the scene to ensure no further disturbances occurred.