All farmers at Khanauri border go on hunger strike; Dallewal's health deteriorating
PTC Web Desk:At the Khanauri border between Haryana and Punjab, farmers under the leadership of jagjit Singh Dallewal have intensified their protest by observing a hunger strike on Tuesday. Not a single stove has been lit at the protest site, with a complete halt to the preparation of food, including the langar (community meals). Farmers have also requested nearby villagers not to bring any food to the site.
Meanwhile, meetings among farmer leaders are ongoing at the Shambhu border, where discussions about marching to Delhi are reportedly underway. A press conference is scheduled for the evening to announce their next course of action.
The issue of reopening the border has also reached the Punjab and Haryana High Court once again. A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed, naming the Punjab, Haryana, and Central governments as respondents. This comes a day after a similar petition was dismissed by the Supreme Court.
Earlier, the High Court had directed the reopening of the border, but the order was stayed following an appeal by the Haryana Government to the Supreme Court. The prolonged closure of the border has disrupted transportation and affected daily life in the surrounding areas.
Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a hunger strike for 15 days, is reportedly in critical condition. Farmer leaders, including Sarwan singh Pandher, have confirmed that Dallewal's health has worsened significantly. He is struggling to appear on stage due to the toll on his kidneys and liver.
Doctors have issued a medical bulletin indicating that Dallewal has lost 11 kg. His blood pressure stands at 124/95, with a sugar level of 93 and a pulse rate of 87. Despite his condition, Dallewal remains resolute, declaring this as a do-or-die battle for the farmers’ rights.
On Tuesday, farmers also initiated a clean-up drive at the Shambhu border to remove the debris left behind after the police used tear gas shells during earlier confrontations. Sarwan Singh Pandher said the effects of tear gas could still be felt in the area.
To pray for Dallewal’s health, farmers have planned special ardas at religious sites across villages on December 11. Farmer leaders have urged people to join the protest in greater numbers to strengthen the ongoing movement.
Failed marches to Delhi and clashes with police: A Recap
Farmers have made two unsuccessful attempts to march to Delhi in the past week.
The December 6 March
On December 6, farmers announced their plan to march from the Shambhu border to Delhi. The day began with prayers at the protest site, followed by a meal for a group of 101 farmers who were designated to lead the march. At around 1 pm, the group advanced towards the border, where the police had set up a three-layered barricade. Farmers initially dismantled the barricades, removed barbed wires, and pulled out nails embedded in concrete. They threw the dismantled barricades into the Ghaggar. The police responded with tear gas shells, leaving farmers injured. Some protesters managed to reach police officials, but were stopped with pepper spray.
The confrontation continued for two and a half hours, during which eight farmers were injured. Eventually, Sarwan Singh Pandher asked the protesters to retreat. Farmers returned to the protest site, bringing along the barbed wires and barricades.
The December 8 March
On December 8, another group of 101 farmers attempted a march from the Shambhu border to Delhi. They began their journey at noon, leading to heated exchanges with the Haryana Police on a bridge. The police demanded permission letters from the farmers, stating that they could not proceed to Delhi without clearance.
When the farmers attempted to break through the barricades, the police responded with tear gas and even water cannons. Despite these measures, the farmers stood firm, determined to continue their march. In a surprising move, the police offered the farmers tea, biscuits, and even showered flowers on them in an attempt to defuse tensions. However, the situation escalated again when the farmers persisted in advancing toward Delhi.
The standoff lasted nearly four hours, resulting in injuries to eight farmers. Ultimately, the farmer leaders decided to call off the march, announcing that further actions would be planned at meetings of the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political).
- PTC NEWS
