Criticizing the government's indifferent stance towards their demands, a group of 111 farmers began an indefinite hunger strike on Wednesday in solidarity with their leader, Jagjit Singh Dallewal. Dallewal's indefinite fast continued for the 51st day. Concerned over Dallewal's deteriorating health, the protesting farmers highlighted the risk of multiple organ failure due to his prolonged fast.
The Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-political) leader has been staging an indefinite hunger strike at the Khanauri border since last November 26. Farmers are demonstrating for various demands, including a legal assurance of MSP for their crops. Dallewal has declined any medical assistance during his fast, significantly affecting his health.
Now, a group of 111 farmers has also embarked on an indefinite hunger strike. An agreement with Haryana Police ensures the farmers do not cross the rope set by police.
Farmers Camped at Shambu and Khanauri Borders Since February Last Year
Under the banners of SKM (Non-political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, farmers have been stationed at the Shambu and Khanauri borders since February 13 of last year, following security forces preventing their march to Delhi. Long-time associate of Dallewal, farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar, accused the central government of ignoring the farmers' demands.
Kohar stated, "Today marks the 51st day of Dallewal's indefinite hunger strike. The central authority isn't willing to listen, initiate dialogue, or meet our demands."
Government to Act According to Supreme Court Directives: Agriculture Minister
Protesting farmers have previously warned that if anything unfortunate happens to Dallewal, the central government won't manage the aftermath. When questioned about negotiating to resolve the impasse with protesting farmers, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan recently stated the government would act following Supreme Court directives.
On January 4, Punjab's Cabinet Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian sought Chauhan's personal intervention, urging the center to quickly negotiate with protesting farmers to resolve the deadlock. On Dallewal's health condition, Kohar remarked it turned "serious" due to the indefinite hunger strike.
Dallewal's Health Worsens Daily: Doctors
According to Kohar, doctors indicated Dallewal isn't retaining water and experiences vomiting when he drinks water. The doctors treating Dallewal have reported his health deteriorating daily, citing increased ketone levels and muscle depletion.
Farmers previously mentioned that Dallewal hasn't consumed food since last November 26, subsisting only on water. Kohar noted, "Farmers feel deeply connected and have expressed they will follow Dallewal, initiating a peaceful indefinite hunger strike." On December 20 last year, the Supreme Court allowed Punjab government officials and doctors to decide whether to hospitalize Dallewal.
Notably, the Supreme Court mentioned Dallewal could be moved to a temporary hospital established within 700 meters of the Khanauri protest site. The state government has deployed medical teams with two Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances to the Khanauri protest site round-the-clock.
Medical Team Deployed for Farmer Leader's Care
To continuously monitor and care for the farmer leader's health, the Punjab government has deployed medical teams from Rajindra Medical College and Mata Kaushalya Hospital, Patiala. A temporary hospital equipped with all emergency medicines and equipment has also been set up near the protest site.
Meanwhile, SKM (Non-political), Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, and SKM have begun discussions for a united struggle against the central government to accept their demands. SKM leaders met Monday to plan a joint movement with two farmer organizations leading protests at Punjab and Haryana borders.
Emphasizing the need for unity among farmer organizations, leaders from the three groups decided to hold another meeting on January 18 to strategize a unified fight for their demands, including a legal guarantee of MSP on crops. SKM, which spearheaded the movement against the now-repealed three farm laws in 2020, isn't part of the SKM (Non-political) and KMM demonstrations.
