Khanauri Border (Punjab), January 15:
The indefinite hunger strike led by farm leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal has reached its 50th day, with his health now in a precarious state. Medical professionals visited the Khanauri border to assess his condition, checking his blood pressure and sugar levels and conducting various tests, including blood sampling and ultrasound.
Avtar Singh Dhillon, representing the Five Rivers Heart Association—an NGO providing medical support to Dallewal—stated, “Over the past two days, he has been unable to retain water and is experiencing frequent vomiting. His condition is worsening, with his body nearing multiple organ failure. This is a critically alarming situation.”
In a show of solidarity, farmer unions have announced an escalation in protests. A group of 111 farmers will begin an indefinite hunger strike at 2 PM today. This group, referred to as a jatha, will march to the first police barricade at Dhabi Gujran near the Khanauri border before commencing their fast.
Farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar confirmed that the 111 participants, mostly middle-aged, will don black attire to symbolize their protest. He added, “The hunger strike will be conducted under the leadership of a representative from SKM (Non-Political).”
The controversy surrounding a recent comment by state BJP chief Sunil Jakhar has added to the tensions. Jakhar argued that a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) might not benefit Punjab’s farmers, stating that the current MSP system is specifically advantageous for farmers in Punjab and Haryana.
Farmer unions strongly criticized Jakhar’s remarks, accusing BJP leaders of attempting to mislead the public. Farm leader Kaka Singh Kotra stated, “Instead of engaging in constructive discussions with protesting farmers, some BJP leaders are trying to divert attention from the core issue.”
Meanwhile, Congress MP Dharamvira Gandhi expressed support for Dallewal and voiced serious concern about the government’s lack of action.
“As both a doctor and a public representative, I find the government’s inaction deeply concerning,” Gandhi said. “Are they waiting for Dallewal to lose his life? Any responsible administration would have initiated meaningful talks and taken concrete steps towards ensuring a legal guarantee for MSP. His physical reserves are depleted, and soon his brain may suffer from inadequate glucose supply, potentially leading to hallucinations. This situation is not just a protest—it is a grim testament to the government’s unwillingness to act,” he concluded.
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