In a recent update on the protesting farmers in Punjab and Haryana, farmer leader Jajit Singh Dallewal’s fast-unto-death strike has entered its 44th day. His health continues to deteriorate.
Doctors have also expressed their concern over his health after a significant drop in blood pressure.
Deteriorating Health of Jagjit Singh Dallewal
During the late hours on Monday, January 6, 2025, the doctors present at the protesting site noticed a significant drop in Dallewal’s blood pressure, leading to unconsciousness for about an hour. His blood pressure dropped to 80/56 and is fluctuating, the doctors said.
“His condition has deteriorated, and blood pressure dropped sharply. After seeing his condition, we got worried. We cannot give him any medical assistance,” On-site, Dr. Avtar Singh added.
“We lifted his legs, following which his blood flow improved a little bit,” said Singh, who is part of a team of the NGO ‘5 Rivers Heart Association.’ “His blood pressure and pulse rate are fluctuating,” he further added.
Meanwhile, the deteriorating condition of the farmer leader has prompted a sense of alertness amongst the farmers. The chants of ‘Satnam Waheguru’ were reverberated throughout the protest site, with farmers praying for his well-being.
Earlier on Monday, a Supreme Court-constituted high-power committee met with 70-year-old fasting farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal. They urged him to take medicinal aid. But so far he has refused to take medical assistance offered by the Punjab government following the supreme court’s directions.
Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s fast unto death strike enters day 43, and it has now become one of the longest hunger strikes in independent India’s history.
Why Did Dallewal Begin Hunger Strike?
Notably, Dallewal started his indefinite hunger strike in November 2024. His strike is a part of a larger protest started by farmers in February 2023, with thousands of farmers gathering at the border between Punjab and Haryana. The protests have been carried out by farmers to press their demands on the centre.
What were the Demands of Farmers?
These demands include a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) on all crops. This is to ensure farmers that they will receive equal pay for their crops. In addition to this, the demands also include the waiver of farm loans, pension support to farmers, withdrawal of police cases against the farmers during previous protests, justice for the victims of Lakhimpur Kheri in 2021, compensation for families of deceased farmers during the 2020-21 protest, etc.
Kanishka Malhotra is a seasoned journalist with a deep passion for reporting and uncovering the truth. With a specialization in research and investigative Journalism, she has covered wide range of topics related to social issues, travel, lifestyle, technology, Entertainment and much more. She believes to express and share her creativity to the world through words. With relentless pursuit of knowing and uncovering the truth, Kanishka continues to leave a mark in the world of journalism.
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