Movement shouldn’t die, even if I do, says Dallewal

Farm leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, whose indefinite fast entered the 44th day today, has urged his fellow protesters to carry on the movement even in the event of his death.

In a poignant message conveyed to his close comrade Kaka Singh Kotra this morning, Dallewal said his body be kept at the protest site and the fast be continued by another leader, symbolising the relentless spirit of the farm movement.

Kotra said the fasting leader had refused to meet anyone and asked him and other leaders to negotiate with officials on behalf of the movement. “His condition worsened hours after his meeting with the Supreme Court-appointed committee led by Justice Nawab Singh,” Kotra said.

Meanwhile, MP Harendra Malik, national general secretary of the Samajwadi Party (SP), today urged Dallewal to end his fast. Despite Malik’s efforts and an attempted call with SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, Dallewal was unable to speak due to his frail health condition. Kotra later told Yadav that Dallewal remained firm in his resolve not to end the fast until the farmers’ demands were met.

A team of five doctors monitoring Dallewal’s health has expressed concern over his condition. Dr Gursimran Singh Buttar said, “Dallewal, who has been consuming only water since November 26, has also stopped taking his prescribed cancer medication.”

Dr Kuldeep Kaur Dhalliwal highlighted several critical health issues, including significant muscle loss, dangerously low sodium levels and persistent low blood pressure.

Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh on Tuesday said hunger strikes were not a concept endorsed by Sikhism. Farm leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said the Akal Takht was the supreme body of Sikhs, but it had not so far directed Dallewal to end his fast. If such directions were issued, the forum would conduct a meeting to discuss issue, he said.