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Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a fast-unto-death for the last 28 days at the Khanauri border protest site, remains in critical condition. Doctors monitoring him have raised alarm over his deteriorating health, warning of potential cardiac arrest and multi-organ failure.
“Dallewal’s nervous system is severely affected, his blood pressure is fluctuating, and he has acute protein and fluid deficiencies,” said medical professionals on Sunday. “His liver and other organs are functioning poorly. He could face a heart attack at any moment,” they cautioned.
The farmer leader’s hunger strike is part of an ongoing agitation demanding the legalisation of Minimum Support Price (MSP) through new legislation. Thousands of farmers, accompanied by hundreds of tractor-trolleys, have gathered at the Khanauri site to support him.
The protest, which began on February 13 under the banner of Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and SKM-Non-Political, has seen a surge in participants as Dallewal’s health worsened.
Farmers have dismissed a recent Supreme Court report saying Dallewal’s condition as “normal.” Abhimanyu Kohar, a farmer leader, alleged, “The Supreme Court report doesn’t reflect the truth. Tests show that ketone levels in Dallewal’s body are 6.90, which is 25% higher than normal. These findings have been ignored.”
Adding to the tension, farmer leader Surjit Singh Phool warned, “If the administration forcibly removes Dallewal from the protest site, there will be bloodshed on both sides. This will be the administration’s responsibility.”
The protesting farmers have also demanded action on a Parliamentary committee report chaired by former Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi. The report, supported by 30 members, including BJP representatives, highlighted the need for a commission on MSP and addressed issues like low farmer incomes and the underutilisation of agricultural budgets.
Farmers have announced further action, including a nationwide candle march on December 24 and a hunger strike on December 26, excluding Punjab due to its ongoing Shaheedi Days.
Meanwhile, political leaders and celebrities have visited Dallewal to express solidarity. Former Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi said that Rahul Gandhi might also visit if required. However, BJP MP Ravneet Singh Bittu criticised these visits, claiming they were more about photo opportunities than genuine support.
The situation remains volatile, with the Supreme Court set to hear the matter on January 2, 2025. Authorities in Punjab have refrained from relocating Dallewal due to fears of escalating tensions.
