Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s hunger strike enters Day 53; health concerns mount
Farmers say 'Govt selectively reports medical data to SC; focuses on metrics like HB levels, which take longer to show declines due to their 120-day cell life span'
PTC Web Desk: Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s hunger strike at the Khanauri border between Punjab and Haryana entered its 53rd day on Friday, with his health deteriorating significantly. Since the beginning of his indefinite fast, Dallewal’s weight has dropped drastically from 86.95 kg to 66.4 kg—a loss of over 20 kg.
In solidarity with Jagjit Singh Dallewal, 111 farmers have also initiated a hunger strike, now entering its third day at the same location.
Despite visible signs of deteriorating health, Punjab government representatives have claimed in the Supreme Court that Dallewal’s health is improving. This statement has drawn sharp criticism from farmers’ groups, who question the logic behind such claims.
“Does fasting improve health or worsen it?” asked one farmer leader. They further sarcastically suggested, “If fasting improves health, hospitals nationwide should be shut down, and patients should be advised to go on hunger strikes instead.”
The latest medical report for Dallewal reveals concerning health metrics. His kidney and liver function tests returned a creatinine level of 1.75, whereas the normal range should be below 1.00. Additionally, the ketone body level in his blood, typically between 0.02-0.27 in a healthy person, has persistently exceeded 6.50.
Farmers allege that the government selectively reports medical data to the court, focusing on metrics like hemoglobin levels, which take longer to show declines due to their 120-day cell life span.
Amidst the intensifying protests, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher announced a planned march to Delhi on January 21. Speaking at a press conference at the Shambhu border, Pandher said 101 farmers would participate in this march, urging the Central Government to engage in meaningful dialogue.
He warned Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the farmers would ensure a law guaranteeing Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops is enacted during his tenure. Pandher reiterated that the farmers’ demands are in the national interest and must be addressed without further delay.
Farmers have attempted to march to Delhi thrice in the past—on December 6, 8, and 14, 2024—but were stopped at barricades by the Haryana Police on each occasion.
Meanwhile, the health of another protesting farmer, Pritpal Singh, took a blow when he suffered an epileptic seizure. Doctors from Haryana were also called in.