Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s health deteriorates after the committee visit, fast continues

The health of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is on a fast-unto-death at the Khanauri border, deteriorated late on Monday night, just hours after a high-powered committee, appointed by the Supreme Court, visited him. Dallewal, whose fast entered its 43rd day on Tuesday, had earlier told the committee that farm reforms were his top priority, placing his life and health as secondary.

According to reports, Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s blood pressure dropped suddenly to critically low levels at 80/50. A video going viral on social media shows a health team rubbing his hands and feet in a bid to warm him up. The Patiala team was kept on standby for such an emergency and were quick to take over. Health department officials confirmed they were closely monitoring his condition.

Patiala Civil Surgeon, Dr Jagpalinder Singh said that the situation was in hand and Dallewal’s health was being continuously monitored.

The committee, led by retired Justice Nawab Singh and comprising former DGP BS Sandhu, economist RS Ghuman, agriculture expert Devinder Sharma, and Punjab Farmers Commission chairperson Sukhpal Singh, visited the Khanauri border at 3:15 PM on Monday. The members met with Dallewal for nearly 10 minutes, urging him to end his fast. Justice Nawab Singh also appealed to the 70-year-old leader to accept medical assistance.

Inside a glass cubicle, Jagjit Singh Dallewal complained to the members of the committee during the meeting, saying, “Shall I make a request? It has been 42 days. Nothing will happen to me as God is with me. I have one thing to say — if the government could show some mercy on farmers. The government should fulfill the promises made to the farmers at regular intervals.”. I am not required to run an indefinite fast, if the government meets the demands that we have raised. And I request you to take this up with the government and get our issues resolved.”

With Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s fast continuing, the situation remains tense, as do his supporters and the wider farming community anxiously await any developments.