Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal refused medical assistance after meeting members of the Supreme Court High Commission at the Kanauli border, a day after protesting unions – Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha – called for immediate intervention of the Center on Tuesday. They warned that if anything untoward happens to Dallewal, the convener of SKM, the Center may not be able to handle the situation that arises thereafter.
According to farmers, Dhalewal’s health was “deteriorating” day by day and “anything could happen to him”.
Dhalewal’s indefinite fast entered the 43rd day on Tuesday and doctors said his condition was critical. Farmers said Dhalewal’s condition remained critical throughout the day and he was unable to speak to anyone.
Farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar stressed that the Center should seriously address the issues of farmers. “If anything happens in Dhalewal, there will be a ‘stain’ on the tenure of the current government at the Center that may never be removed,” he said.
Protesting unions said effigies of the Modi government will be burned across the country on January 10. A tractor rally will be held on January 26, they said.
The Punjab government directed the Patiala deputy commissioner to ensure that government doctors are stationed near Dhalewal to monitor his condition and intervene if necessary.
Farmers have been camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points since February 13 last year as they were unable to travel to Delhi. Farmers have been raising demands such as legal guarantee of minimum support price for crops.
– With PTI input
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