Jetpar Farmers End Hunger Strike but Reject Compensation Policy

The hunger strike by farmers in Jetpar village of Morbi district against the installation of electricity transmission towers and power lines entered a new phase after the fasting protesters ended their fast on Monday night. However, the villagers made it clear that the agitation is far from over, rejecting the Gujarat government's latest compensation resolution and issuing a one-week ultimatum for revisions.

Fast ends, protest continues

The indefinite fast was called off after the health of several protesters, including Nehul Amrutiya, deteriorated. On the advice of doctors, the fasting farmers broke their fast in the presence of Mahant Damji Bhagat and village women.

Despite ending the hunger strike, villagers stressed that the decision marked only a pause in the agitation and warned that a third phase of protests would be launched if their demands are not met.

Farmers reject government's compensation circular

During a village meeting held on Monday night, residents unanimously rejected the July 4, 2026 resolution issued by the state's Energy and Petrochemicals Department.

Farmers alleged that the government resolution, framed under Section 10(d) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, does not provide adequate compensation for the full extent of losses suffered due to the erection of electricity towers and transmission lines on agricultural land.

They argued that the current policy contains several shortcomings and would leave farmers bearing significant financial losses.

One-week ultimatum to government

The villagers have demanded that the government withdraw the existing resolution and issue a revised policy ensuring full compensation for all losses caused by transmission towers and power lines.

They warned that if the government fails to revise the policy within seven days, they will launch a large-scale Satyagraha and intensify their agitation.

Statewide farmers' convention planned

To mobilise support across Gujarat, farmers have announced a two-day statewide convention in Jetpar on July 8 and 9.

The July 8 meeting will be attended by farmers from Morbi, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Devbhumi Dwarka, Gir Somnath, Junagadh, Porbandar, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Botad, Kutch and Banaskantha.

On July 9, farmers from Sabarkantha, Patan, Surendranagar, Ahmedabad, Anand, Vadodara, Bharuch, Surat, Vav-Tharad, Mehsana, Gandhinagar and Narmada are expected to participate to chalk out the next phase of the agitation.

Organisers have stated that office-bearers of political parties will not be allowed to attend the convention.