On Wednesday 111 farmers started a hunger strike they’re doing it to support a farm leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal he began his own hunger strike November 26th. He’s protesting at Khanauri on the border of Punjab and Haryana these farmers want the government to listen to them. They’re asking for things like guaranteed minimum prices for what they grow and feel like the government hasn’t talked to them since February.
Dallewal is 70 years old and has cancer he’s been on hunger strike to show how important these demands are. His health is getting worse so his supporters are joining in by also not eating. These farmers are with groups called the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. They are trying to get people to pay attention to their problems and want the government to talk to them.
These hunger strikes are part of a bigger movement farmers are asking for better protections they want to make sure they can make a living and feel secure. They say the government hasn’t talked to them enough or met their requests. The farmers are hoping these actions will make the government start talking again.