Khanauri- 18/01/2025

Sardar Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s hunger strike entered its 54th day today at the Daatasinghwala-Khannauri Kisan Morcha. His health severely deteriorated last night at around 1:30 AM, prompting doctors to suggest administering an emergency injection, which he refused. Dallewal experienced continuous vomiting throughout the night, leading to severe dehydration and a critical spike in blood pressure. Doctors revealed that he is unable to consume water, and the fluid loss through vomiting has heightened the risk of multiple organ failure.

This afternoon at 3 PM, a high-level delegation led by Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Priya Ranjan, arrived at the Khannauri protest site. The central and state government teams first inquired about Dallewal’s health, expressing concern for his well-being. Jagjit Singh Dallewal responded that discussions regarding their demands should only be held with the leaders of both farmer unions.

The government officials engaged in a 3.5-hour-long meeting with the union leaders, during which they proposed holding a meeting on February 14 to discuss all 12 demands, including the issue of MSP (Minimum Support Price). The officials made a special request for Dallewal to be present at the proposed discussions.

The farmer leaders countered by demanding an earlier meeting in Delhi, emphasizing the urgency of the matter. However, the officials explained that due to the ongoing election code of conduct in Delhi, no announcements could be made until after February 9. They further added that the budget declaration would take place on February 12-13.

Following this, the officials returned to present a written proposal to Dallewal and publicly announced the government’s offer from the stage. The farmers present at the gathering humbly requested Dallewal to accept medical assistance so that he could actively participate in the proposed discussions with the central government. They also threatened to join him in a hunger strike if he refused.

After extensive discussions, Dallewal stated that he would first seek the opinion of the 121 farmers who are currently on hunger strike in solidarity with him. The 121 farmers unanimously urged him to accept medical treatment, emphasizing the need for his presence at the meeting to strongly advocate for the farmers’ demands.

Eventually, Jagjit Singh Dallewal agreed to accept medical assistance based on the farmers’ request. However, he firmly declared that he would continue his hunger strike until their demands are met.