CHANDIGARH: As directed by the Supreme Court two days ago, representatives from the Union and Punjab governments met fasting farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal at the Khanauri border, located between Punjab and Haryana.
Director in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Mayank Mishra and Punjab Director-General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav visited the 70-year-old leader, whose fast unto death entered its 20th day. They enquired about his health and listened to his demands.
The Supreme Court had earlier instructed that Dallewal be provided with immediate medical assistance and urged him to end his indefinite fast, emphasising that his life was valuable.
After the meeting, DGP Gaurav Yadav stated:
"We came here to enquire about the health of Dallewal. I, along with the Union government official Mayank Mishra, who was specially sent here, met him. We have heard his demands and have appealed to Dallewal. The way he is leading this peaceful agitation has been appreciated everywhere, and the government has taken cognisance of it. As per the Supreme Court’s orders, Dallewal must be convinced, and emergent medical aid must be provided to him."
Yadav further added:
"The Punjab Chief Minister has specially sent a message, and our efforts are directed at holding talks to address the demands and resolve the issue. We have appealed to the farmers that Dallewal’s life is precious. Medical facilities have been provided here, and we are working towards a resolution in coordination with the farmers. The Supreme Court has given us a clear mandate."
He highlighted that the apex court recognised Dallewal as a senior citizen, a prominent farmer leader, and someone with health issues, underscoring the necessity for urgent medical assistance.
"The Punjab government’s stand has been clear: it considers the farmers’ demands genuine and has supported them. We have tried to ensure that all necessary facilities are provided to him. It is the Punjab government’s effort to facilitate the resolution of farmers’ demands," Yadav said.
Medical teams and a special ambulance equipped with life-saving equipment have been stationed at the protest site, Yadav told the farmers, urging them to persuade Dallewal to seek medical attention. He also confirmed that Dallewal’s vital symptoms were being constantly monitored.
Before arriving at the Khanauri border, Yadav held discussions with farmer leaders Sukhjit Singh Hardojhande, Kaka Singh Kotda, and others. However, sources revealed that despite the government’s assurances, Dallewal remained resolute in continuing his fast.
To a question about any government proposals, MHA Director Mayank Mishra clarified:
"There was no proposal of any kind. I came here to hear him and to implement the Supreme Court’s orders."
Doctors have already recommended Dallewal’s hospitalisation, citing severe weakness due to his prolonged fast.
Farmers under the banners of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) have been protesting at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points since February 13, following their march to Delhi being blocked by security forces.
The farmers’ demands include a legal guarantee on the minimum support price (MSP) for crops, debt waivers, pensions for farmers and farm labourers, no hike in electricity tariffs, the withdrawal of police cases, and justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence. They are also seeking the reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and compensation for the families of farmers who died during the 2020–21 agitation.
DIG (Patiala Range) Mandeep Singh Sidhu, Patiala SSP Nanak Singh, Patiala Deputy Commissioner Preeti Yadav, former ADGP Jaskaran Singh, and former DIG Narinder Bhargava were also present at the meeting.
