The Morbi Jetpar farmer movement reached a significant milestone after farmers ended their 19-day indefinite hunger strike in Gujarat’s Morbi district. The fast concluded during a public gathering attended by thousands of supporters, but farmer leaders made it clear that their campaign for fair compensation is far from over.
Although the hunger strike has officially ended, the protesters have rejected the government’s existing compensation proposal and announced plans to continue their agitation through a new phase of the movement.
Thousands Gather in Support of Farmers
The hunger strike had been underway for nearly three weeks at Jetpar village, where farmers were demanding what they describe as fair and adequate compensation. Before the fast was formally called off, organizers held a large farmers’ meeting at the protest site.
Despite continuous rainfall in the region, around 2,000 farmers from Jetpar and nearby villages reportedly attended the gathering. The strong turnout reflected continued support for the movement and highlighted the unity among farming communities over the compensation issue.
Farmer representatives addressed the crowd, discussing the progress of the protest and outlining the next steps in their campaign.
Hunger Strike Ends with Traditional Ceremony
The conclusion of the hunger strike was marked by a ceremonial event attended by local religious leaders and young women from the community. The fasting farmers were offered food in a traditional gesture that symbolized the end of the 19-day fast.
Organizers described the ceremony as a respectful tribute to the farmers who had continued their protest despite physical hardship. The event also served as an opportunity for supporters to acknowledge the determination shown by those participating in the hunger strike.
Farmers Reject Current Compensation Policy
While ending the fast, farmer leaders emphasized that they remain dissatisfied with the compensation outlined in the government’s current circular. According to protest organizers, the proposed package does not adequately address their concerns or provide what they consider fair compensation.
They said that ending the hunger strike should not be interpreted as the end of the larger campaign. Instead, they described it as the conclusion of one stage of the protest while preparations begin for further action.
The compensation dispute has remained at the center of the movement, with farmers repeatedly urging authorities to reconsider the existing policy and engage in meaningful discussions.
‘Part 3’ of the Movement Announced
During the public meeting, farmer leaders officially announced what they referred to as “Part 3” of the agitation. They said a fresh strategy would be developed in the coming days to continue pressing the government for changes to the compensation framework.
Although specific details of the next phase have not yet been made public, organizers indicated that future protests would be planned based on consultations with farmers and community representatives.
The leaders also reiterated that they intend to pursue their demands through democratic means and will continue raising the issue until a satisfactory resolution is reached.
Protest Continues Despite End of Fast
The end of the hunger strike marks an important development in the Morbi Jetpar farmer movement, but it does not resolve the underlying dispute between farmers and the authorities.
With the current compensation policy still unacceptable to the protesting farmers, attention is now expected to shift toward the next round of discussions and any future demonstrations announced under the movement’s newly declared third phase.
For now, the 19-day fast has concluded, but farmer organizations say their campaign for what they believe is just compensation will continue until their demands are addressed.