Chandigarh — The government will meet with protesting farmers in Punjab on Feb. 14 in Chandigarh to discuss their demands, including a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP) on crops. The announcement ends a stalemate over resuming dialogue with the protesters, who have been demanding a legal guarantee on the MSP for crops.

The decision to hold talks came after a delegation from the Union Agriculture Ministry, led by Joint Secretary Priya Ranjan, met with farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal and representatives from the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, the groups spearheading the 11-month-long agitation.

Dallewal, whose fast-unto-death entered its 54th day Saturday, agreed to take medical aid. However, he will continue his indefinite fast until the government provides a legal guarantee on MSP. Farmer leader Sukhjit Singh Hardojhande said Dallewal will not consume any meals until the farmers’ demands are met. A decision regarding the ongoing fast of 121 other farmers will be made Sunday.

The government cited the model code of conduct in Delhi, in effect until Feb. 9, and the subsequent budget session as reasons for the delay in scheduling the talks. They emphasized that the Feb. 14 meeting date would allow Dallewal to participate.

The government sent a high-level delegation to meet with Dallewal, recognizing the urgency of his deteriorating health and the emotional impact it was having on farmers. The meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. Feb. 14 at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration in Chandigarh. The government’s delegation urged Dallewal to break his fast and participate in the discussions, emphasizing the importance of his presence.