Haryana-Punjab Khanauri Border: The condition of farmer leader Jagjeet Singh Dallewal, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for the last 44 days at the Haryana-Punjab Khanauri Border, has taken a severe turn. Dallewal, who is demanding the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops among 13 other critical issues, is in a life-threatening condition and is no longer able to speak due to his deteriorating health.
Medical teams, including former DIG Narendra Bhargav and SSP Patiala Nanak Singh, have been monitoring Dallewal’s condition. Despite the severe health complications, Dallewal has refused medical treatment. The authorities have been trying to convince him to receive necessary medical attention, but his decision remains unchanged.
Farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohad raised concerns about the possible aftermath if Dallewal’s condition worsens. He warned that if anything were to happen to Dallewal, it could lead to an uncontrollable situation, which the central government may not be able to manage. He urged the government to resolve the farmers’ issues before it escalates further.
The farmers have planned major protests in the coming days. On January 13, the draft of the new agricultural marketing policy will be burned across the country on the occasion of Lohri. Furthermore, a massive tractor rally is set for January 26, signaling the intensification of protests.
On the evening of January 6, Dallewal lost consciousness, prompting doctors to rush to his aid by massaging his hands and feet. After their intervention, he regained consciousness, though his condition remains critical. According to medical updates, Dallewal’s blood pressure has been continuously dropping, and to stabilize it, his legs have to be raised.
Dallewal himself expressed that he is unable to communicate properly due to his medical condition. He instructed his team not to allow anyone into his medical tent, stating that although he respects everyone, his current health does not permit him to engage in conversations.
Two days ago, Dallewal’s condition worsened dramatically around 8:15 PM. His blood pressure plummeted to 77/45, and his pulse rate fell below 38. Doctors immediately started elevating his legs to help stabilize his blood pressure, which slightly improved by 2:30 AM, reaching 95/70. However, his health remains fragile, and he continues to be in critical condition.
Earlier that day, the Supreme Court-appointed high-power committee visited Dallewal at the Khanauri Border to meet with him. Despite the dire situation, the committee’s visit highlights the ongoing attention the case is drawing from the authorities and legal bodies.
Farmer leader Sarvan Singh Pandher shared that the farmers are resolutely opposed to the draft agricultural marketing policy proposed by the central government. He pointed out that the new draft is essentially a rebranded version of the controversial farm laws that were repealed earlier. The farmers plan to burn the draft on January 13 during Lohri and also announced a symbolic protest by burning effigies of Prime Minister Modi on January 10.
Amid the harsh winter conditions at the Khanauri Border, farmers, including women, continue to stand in solidarity, demonstrating their commitment to the cause. The site has become a symbol of the farmers’ struggle as they demand better agricultural policies and protections.
In the past month, the case has seen eight hearings in the Supreme Court, the first of which took place on December 13. During one of these hearings, the court reprimanded the Punjab government for failing to address the situation adequately, even suggesting that efforts may be underway to intentionally worsen Dallewal’s condition. The court had even ordered the government to transfer Dallewal to a hospital and seek assistance from the central government. The next hearing is scheduled for January 10, as the court continues to monitor the case closely.
As Dallewal’s health worsens, the attention on the farmers’ movement intensifies. The ongoing protests, combined with the calls for immediate government intervention, are expected to shape the political discourse in the coming days.
