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The plight of Jagjit Singh Dallewal, a 70-year-old Punjab farmer leader, highlights the ongoing struggle for Minimum Support Price (MSP) guarantees in India. His 27-day hunger strike has left him in critical condition, prompting serious concerns about his health and renewed focus on the farmers' demands. Doctors attending to Mr. Dallewal at the Khanauri border protest site have warned of the imminent risks of cardiac arrest and multi-organ failure due to prolonged starvation. His weakened immune system leaves him vulnerable to infections, further compounding his precarious health situation. Physiological indicators, such as cold extremities, slow reflexes, fluctuating blood pressure, and orthostatic hypotension, paint a grim picture of his deteriorating condition. The medical team, composed of experts from the '5 Rivers Heart Association,' has described Mr. Dallewal as hemodynamically unstable, a state requiring immediate intensive care unit (ICU) admission under normal circumstances. The gravity of his situation underscores the urgency of addressing the underlying farmer grievances.
The farmers' movement, encompassing the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, demands a legal guarantee for MSP on crops. This crucial demand forms the core of Mr. Dallewal's protest, a testament to the farmers' desperation for economic stability and protection from market volatility. The ongoing protests at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana represent a continuation of a struggle that began in February 2024, when their march to Delhi was thwarted by security forces. Subsequent attempts to reach Delhi, including a 'jatha' (group) of 101 farmers making three attempts between December 6th and 14th, were also met with resistance. The unwavering determination of the farmers demonstrates their deep commitment to their cause, even in the face of significant personal risk and hardship, as exemplified by Mr. Dallewal's self-sacrifice.
Mr. Dallewal's critical condition has spurred political involvement, most notably a visit from former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi. Mr. Channi, also the chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on agriculture, conveyed concerns expressed by senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding Mr. Dallewal's health and the larger demands of the farmers' movement. Mr. Channi's meeting underlines the political significance of the protests, pushing the issue onto the national stage. The farmers' organizations argue that the parliamentary committee's suggestions regarding MSP should be accepted by the central government, emphasizing the potential for a legislative solution. Planned candle marches across India on December 24th, along with symbolic hunger strikes at the tehsil and district levels on December 26th, signify a broader mobilization of support for Mr. Dallewal and the farmers' cause. These actions demonstrate the concerted effort to pressure the government into action and raise awareness about the dire consequences of inaction. The ongoing protests and planned demonstrations highlight the enduring determination of the farmers and the escalating tension surrounding their demands for an MSP guarantee.
Source: 'Condition critical', say doctors as farmer leader Dallewal's fast enters 27th day