Farmer leader Dallewal's health deteriorates, hours after high-power committee visit

Hours after the Supreme Court-appointed high-powered committee led by retired Justice Nawab Singh met farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is on a fast-unto-death at the Khanauri border, his health deteriorated on Monday night.

Dallewal, whose fast entered 43rd day on Tuesday, had told the committee members that farm reforms are his priority, while his life and health is secondary.

The blood pressure of Dallewal dropped suddenly on Monday night. A video, being shared on social media, shows a health team rubbing Dallewal’s hand and feet in order to keep him warm, while the blood pressure monitor showed a reading of 80/50.

Gursimran Singh Butter, a member of the health team, said that the health department team from Patiala, who are on the standby, has taken over the charge.

Patiala Civil Surgeon Dr Jagpalinder Singh confirmed that they had received the information about the sudden drop in the blood pressure of Dallewal. He said the situation is under control and the health team is monitoring the farmer leader's condition.

On Monday, the committee, led by a retired high court judge, Justice Nawab Singh, and comprising former DGP BS Sandhu, economist RS Ghuman, agriculture expert Devinder Sharma and Punjab farmers commission chairperson Sukhpal Singh, arrived at Dhabi Gujaran village near the Khanauri border at 3.15 pm and interacted with the farmer leader for nearly 10 minutes.

At the Khanauri border, Justice Nawab Singh interacted with farmers and also visited the “tent city”.

The committee members urged Dallewal to end his fast. Justice Nawab Singh urged the 70-Year-old leader to accept medical aid.

Inside the glass cubicle, Dallewal told the committee members, “Shall I make a request? It has been 42 days. Nothing will happen to me as God is with me. I have one thing to say — if the government could show some mercy on farmers. The government should fulfil the promises made to the farmers at regular intervals. I do not need to observe a fast if the government fulfils our demands. I urge you to take up the matter with the government so that our issues can be resolved.”