Farm protests in Punjab and Haryana have reached a critical stage as farm leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s health deteriorates on the 47th day of his hunger strike. Protesting groups SKM (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) are urging the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) to reschedule their proposed meeting from January 15 to January 12 or 13, citing the dire health condition of Dallewal.
Dallewal’s Health Worsens
Dallewal’s medical reports reveal alarming health conditions:
- Uric acid: 11.64 mg/dL (normal range: 3.5–7.2 mg/dL)
- Ketone levels: 6.53 mmol/L (normal range: up to 0.6 mmol/L)
- Severe protein deficiency
These critical markers have raised concerns among farmers and medical professionals alike.
Protest Leaders Request Change of Venue
Abhimanyu Kohad, a spokesperson for SKM (Non-Political) and KMM, emphasized the need to shift the meeting venue from Patiala to Khanauri, where the protests are ongoing. Kohad stated, “We cannot leave the morcha to travel to Patiala. The meeting must take place here to ensure our continued participation.”
SKM Calls for Unity
On Friday, SKM leaders, who led the Delhi farm protests of 2020–2021, visited the Khanauri and Shambhu protest sites on the Punjab-Haryana border. SKM has extended an invitation to protesting groups for a joint meeting aimed at fostering unity and pressuring the central government to meet farmers’ demands.
Support from Haryana Farmers
Farmers from Haryana have pledged solidarity with Dallewal. Abhimanyu Kohad announced that farmer groups from various districts will join the protest at Khanauri on the following dates:
- Hisar: January 12
- Sonipat: January 13
- Kaithal: January 14
- Jind: January 15
- Panipat: January 16
Harbhajan Singh Calls for Action
Cricketer-turned-politician and Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh expressed concern over Dallewal’s health in a social media post. He urged stakeholders to prioritize dialogue, stating, “Saving farming and farmers should be our top priority.”
Key Demands
The protesting groups are urging the central government to address critical farming issues, including:
- Revoking controversial laws
- Ensuring minimum support prices (MSP)
- Improving farmer welfare policies
Conclusion
With Dallewal’s health deteriorating, the call for unity among farmer organizations is more urgent than ever. The outcome of the proposed SKM meeting will play a critical role in determining the future course of the protests.
