January 19, 2025: The prolonged stalemate between Punjab’s protesting farmers and the Centre has seen a breakthrough, as a high-level meeting is scheduled to take place on February 14 in Chandigarh. The talks aim to address farmers' demands, including the key issue of a legal guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops.

The announcement has brought a ray of hope for the agitators, who have been spearheading the movement for the last 11 months. In a significant development, Jagjit Singh Dallewal, a prominent farmer leader on a fast-unto-death for 54 days, has agreed to receive medical assistance. Despite this, he remains steadfast in his decision to continue the fast until the government provides a legal assurance on MSP, confirmed fellow leader Sukhjit Singh Hardojhande.

Images of Dallewal receiving intravenous treatment were shared by the farmers' bodies, underscoring the gravity of the situation. His deteriorating health had been a matter of growing concern.

The breakthrough was achieved after a delegation from the Union agriculture ministry, led by Joint Secretary Priya Ranjan, visited the protest site at Khanauri. The officials engaged in talks with representatives of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), the key organizations leading the protest.

Ranjan, addressing reporters, emphasized the importance of Dallewal’s participation in the upcoming dialogue. “We assessed his health and urged him to accept medical aid to ensure his presence at the meeting,” he said. The February 14 discussion will take place at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration in Chandigarh at 5 PM.

Farmer leaders have expressed cautious optimism but reiterated their resolve to press for a binding legal framework on MSP. They appealed to Dallewal to prioritize his health, emphasizing the importance of his role in the negotiations.

The Centre’s willingness to engage in dialogue has raised expectations, but the outcome remains crucial for the future of the agitation and the demands of the farming community.