The Crossbill News Desk
The condition of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for 42 days, worsened on Monday (January 6) evening due to a sharp drop in his blood pressure, according to doctors at the protest site.
Dallewal, aged 70, has been protesting at the Khanauri border between Punjab and Haryana since November 26, demanding, among other issues, a legal guarantee for the minimum support price (MSP) on crops.
His blood pressure plummeted to 80/56 and remains unstable, doctors from the NGO ‘5 Rivers Heart Association’ reported.
Dr. Avtar Singh, part of the medical team monitoring Dallewal, stated, “His condition has deteriorated. His blood pressure dropped sharply. After seeing his condition, we got worried. We cannot give him any medical assistance,” reported news agency PTI.
Despite the decline in his health, Dallewal continues to refuse medical assistance, which has been offered by the Punjab government under the directions of the Supreme Court.
Earlier in the day, a Supreme Court-appointed committee led by retired Justice Nawab Singh met Dallewal at the protest site. The panel urged him to prioritize his health and accept medical intervention.
Addressing the media, Justice Singh said, “We all repeatedly requested him for medical (help). We want his health to be good. I came here today not to say that the agitation should end but to say your (Dallewal) health should be good,” reported PTI.
However, Dallewal reportedly told the panel, “Farm issues come first; my health comes later.”
The Supreme Court formed the committee in September 2024 to mediate between protesting farmers and the government.
Other members of the committee include retired IPS officer B.S. Sandhu, agriculture expert Devinder Sharma, and economists Dr. Ranjit Singh Ghuman and Dr. Sukhpal Singh from Punjab Agricultural University.
Farmers under the banners of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have been protesting at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points since February 13, 2024.
The demonstrations began after their march to Delhi was halted by security forces. Despite several appeals from Punjab government officials to end his fast or at least accept medical aid, Dallewal remains steadfast.
In a related development, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) expressed disappointment after their request for a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu was declined due to her unavailability. The SKM acknowledged the President’s written response dated December 31 but urged her to reconsider their repeated requests.
The group hopes to discuss Dallewal’s ongoing hunger strike and unresolved farmer demands during such a meeting.
Dallewal, aged 70, has been protesting at the Khanauri border between Punjab and Haryana since November 26, demanding, among other issues, a legal guarantee for the minimum support price (MSP) on crops.
His blood pressure plummeted to 80/56 and remains unstable, doctors from the NGO ‘5 Rivers Heart Association’ reported.
Dr. Avtar Singh, part of the medical team monitoring Dallewal, stated, “His condition has deteriorated. His blood pressure dropped sharply. After seeing his condition, we got worried. We cannot give him any medical assistance,” reported news agency PTI.
Despite the decline in his health, Dallewal continues to refuse medical assistance, which has been offered by the Punjab government under the directions of the Supreme Court.
Earlier in the day, a Supreme Court-appointed committee led by retired Justice Nawab Singh met Dallewal at the protest site. The panel urged him to prioritize his health and accept medical intervention.
Addressing the media, Justice Singh said, “We all repeatedly requested him for medical (help). We want his health to be good. I came here today not to say that the agitation should end but to say your (Dallewal) health should be good,” reported PTI.
However, Dallewal reportedly told the panel, “Farm issues come first; my health comes later.”
The Supreme Court formed the committee in September 2024 to mediate between protesting farmers and the government.
Other members of the committee include retired IPS officer B.S. Sandhu, agriculture expert Devinder Sharma, and economists Dr. Ranjit Singh Ghuman and Dr. Sukhpal Singh from Punjab Agricultural University.
Farmers under the banners of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have been protesting at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points since February 13, 2024.
The demonstrations began after their march to Delhi was halted by security forces. Despite several appeals from Punjab government officials to end his fast or at least accept medical aid, Dallewal remains steadfast.
In a related development, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) expressed disappointment after their request for a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu was declined due to her unavailability. The SKM acknowledged the President’s written response dated December 31 but urged her to reconsider their repeated requests.
The group hopes to discuss Dallewal’s ongoing hunger strike and unresolved farmer demands during such a meeting.
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