Kanauri, 7 January 2025: Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s health deteriorated late Monday, hours after the Supreme Court-appointed high-powered committee visited him at the Khanauri border. Dallewal, who has been on a fast-unto-death for over six weeks, saw his blood pressure drop to a critical 80/50, prompting medical teams to intervene.
A widely shared video showed health workers rubbing Dallewal’s hands and feet to keep him warm as his condition worsened. Gursimran Singh Butter, part of the attending health team, confirmed that a standby medical unit from Patiala took charge. Patiala Civil Surgeon Dr. Jagpalinder Singh stated, “We were informed of the sudden drop in blood pressure. The situation is under control, and his condition is being closely monitored.”
The fast, now in its 43rd day, underscores Dallewal’s resolve. During the committee’s visit earlier that afternoon, he insisted, “Farm reforms remain my priority; my life and health come second.”
Led by retired Justice Nawab Singh, the committee also included former DGP BS Sandhu, economist RS Ghuman, agriculture expert Devinder Sharma, and Punjab Farmers’ Commission Chairperson Sukhpal Singh. They reached Dhabi Gujaran village near the Khanauri border at 3:15 p.m. and interacted briefly with the 70-year-old leader before urging him to end his fast.
Justice Nawab Singh appealed to Dallewal to prioritize his health and accept medical assistance. Dallewal, speaking from within his glass cubicle, responded, “For 42 days, God has been with me. My fast wouldn’t be necessary if the government showed mercy and fulfilled its promises to farmers. I urge you to convey our demands to the government and seek a resolution to these issues.”
The committee also toured the makeshift “tent city” at the protest site, engaging with other farmers to gauge the situation on the ground.
