Punjab: Jagjit Singh Dallewal's Health Declines After 42 Days of Hunger Strike

The health of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a hunger strike for 42 days, worsened on Monday evening. His blood pressure dropped significantly, causing concern among doctors at the protest site. Earlier that day, a Supreme Court-appointed panel met with the 70-year-old and urged him to accept medical help. Despite this, Dallewal has declined the medical assistance offered by the Punjab government.

Dallewal's blood pressure fell to 80/56 and is unstable, according to doctors. "His condition deteriorated. His blood pressure dropped sharply. After seeing his condition, we got worried. We cannot give him any medical assistance," said Doctor Avtar Singh. The doctor is part of an NGO team from 5 Rivers Heart Association. They attempted to improve his blood flow by elevating his legs.

Farmers' Demands and Government Response

Dallewal, who leads the Samyukta Kisan Morcha Non-Political group, began his hunger strike at the Khanauri border between Punjab and Haryana on November 26 last year. The protest aims to secure various demands for farmers, including a legal guarantee for the minimum support price (MSP) for crops. Despite several attempts by Punjab officials to persuade him to accept medical aid without ending his fast, he remains steadfast in his refusal.

On December 20, the Supreme Court placed responsibility on Punjab government officials and doctors to decide if Dallewal should be hospitalised. Farmer leaders have stated that Dallewal has only consumed water during his fast. The Punjab government has made numerous efforts through its officials to convince him to take medical help if he chooses not to end his hunger strike.

Supreme Court Panel's Involvement

A high-powered committee led by former Punjab and Haryana High Court judge Nawab Singh met with Dallewal on Monday. They urged him to seek medical aid for his deteriorating health. Addressing the media after their meeting, Singh said, "We all repeatedly requested him for medical help. We want his health to be good." He emphasised that their concern was for Dallewal's well-being rather than ending the protest.

Dallewal informed the panel that farm issues are his priority over personal health. When asked about the meeting's outcome, Singh mentioned they could only request him to accept medical assistance. The Supreme Court formed this committee in September 2024 to resolve farmers' grievances amicably.

Protest Background and Committee Composition

The committee also includes retired IPS officer B S Sandhu, agriculture expert Devinder Sharma, professor Ranjit Singh Ghuman, and Dr Sukhpal Singh from Punjab Agricultural University. Farmers under SKM Non-Political and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have been stationed at Shambhu and Khanauri border points since February 13 after being stopped from marching to Delhi by security forces.

The ongoing protest highlights farmers' determination to secure their demands despite significant challenges. As Dallewal continues his hunger strike, concerns about his health remain a pressing issue for both supporters and authorities involved in resolving the situation.