Tensions mount at Khanauri border as Dallewal's health critical; suffers multiple episodes of vomiting
SKM expresses grave concerns about Dallewal’s deteriorating health, urges Centre to meet demands of protesting farmers
PTC Web Desk: Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike at the Khanauri border between Punjab and Haryana, entered the 54th day of his protest on Friday. Dallewal’s health has deteriorated significantly, with reports indicating multiple instances of vomiting and reduced water consumption, now less than one liter a day.
On Friday, 10 farmers from Haryana also joined 111 others already protesting at the Khanauri border. Simultaneously, farmer leaders from the Khanauri and Shambhu protest sites, along with representatives of the SKM held a meeting in Patiala’s Patra area. Discussions centered around preparations for the January 26 tractor march, aiming to intensify pressure on the Centre.
In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the SKM expressed grave concerns about Dallewal’s deteriorating health and urged the government to meet the demands of the protesting farmers.
According to farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar, Dallewal’s weight has dropped drastically by 20 kg, falling from 86.95 kg to 66.4 kg since the beginning of his hunger strike.
A recent medical report revealed that Dallewal’s kidney and liver function levels were at 1.75, far above the normal threshold of 1. SKM leaders have accused the government of selectively presenting delayed medical test results to the Supreme Court.
On Thursday, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher announced plans for a Delhi march on January 21 during a press briefing at the Shambhu border. A delegation of 101 farmers is set to participate.
Pandher criticised the government’s lack of willingness to engage in dialogue and emphasised that the protest will escalate until the farmers' demands, including a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP), are fulfilled. He declared that the farmers' demands are in the interest of the nation and must be addressed promptly.
Key Farmer Demands
The farmers are pressing for the following:
A law guaranteeing MSP for crops.
Withdrawal of cases against farmers from previous protests.
Comprehensive compensation for families of farmers who lost their lives during earlier agitations.