Jagjit Singh Dallewal is a leading farmers’ voice in Punjab and has reached the 24th day of his fast-unto-death, causing a major setback to his already fragile health.
The 70-year-old cancer victim started this hunger strike in demand of a legal guarantee for the farmers’ minimum support price for their crops and other reforms in agriculture.
Health Deterioration and Medical Concerns
On December 19, 2024, Dallewal fainted for about 8 to 10 minutes at the Khanauri border protest site. The doctors taking care of him have expressed a deep concern over his health condition, as they suspect that he might suffer from cardiac arrest and multi-organ failure due to an extreme state of electrolyte imbalance.
Dr. Abhiraj, from the 5 Rivers Heart Association, who is monitoring the patient, commented, “His life is hanging by a thread.” He further added that Dallewal’s blood pressure has dropped to a very low level, and besides that, the high levels of ketones in his body have made him vulnerable toward sudden health failures.
Notwithstanding his critical state, Dallewal has refused any medical assistance or hospitalization. He has held his resolve to continue his hunger strike until the government accepts farmers’ demands.
Such an unwavering attitude has raised alarm among his supporters and medical professionals.
Supreme Court Intervention
The Supreme Court of India is cognizant of Dallewal’s health condition. While the matter was being heard, the Court directed the Punjab government to ensure a health examination of Dallewal, expressing disapproval at the lack of medical intervention.
The bench noted that while respecting Dallewal’s right to protest, such actions should not jeopardize his health and safety.
Political Reactions and Support
Aware of the hunger strike of Dallewal, discourse on Minimum Support Price and farmers’ rights has again been ignited. Voices across party lines have paid a visit to the protest site to express their support for Dhaliwall.
Akali leader Balwinder Singh Bhundar has demanded an immediate response from the central government to the farmers’ demands.
The other voice was that of Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Congress leader and former Chief Minister of Haryana, who insisted on him to continue protests with heavy heart and with sloganeering in favor of help through immediate government intervention in amicably solving farmers’ grievances.
Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have stated that farmers are united on the issue of MSP. They want the central government to start a dialogue with the protesting farmers as the solution.
Public Sentiment and Support
Many in the public and from various civil society groups have kept the ongoing hunger strike in limelight. Many have expressed extreme concern regarding Dallewal’s health and called upon the Government to hold meaningful talks with the farmers coming up for protest.
The environment in south-west Punjab remained tense with show of support through vigils or protests for the cause of Dallewal.
As Jagjit Singh Dallewal enters the 24th day of his hunger strike, his health is on the decline, triggering intervention from the judiciary and appeal from political leaders. Obviously, this represents the continued assertions and demands of the farming community in India.
The ball is in the court of the central government, and whatever response there will be from them in the coming days will determine the dire silence of concern in the ongoing situation and will even help put the protesting people on the path of peace, dignity, and work.
