The organizations have called for a state-wide shutdown in Punjab on Monday (30th Dec) and sought support from other states. Punjab’s AAP government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has sent delegations of senior police officers to meet with Dallewal at Khanauri and establish dialogue with the protesters. However, these efforts have not persuaded Dallewal to end his fast.
NEW DELHI: A day after the Supreme Court criticized the Punjab government for not complying with its directive to transfer fasting farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal to a hospital, the state government is to address the issue ahead of the court’s next hearing on Tuesday (31st Dec), though progress has been limited.
Dallewal has been on a fast-unto-death for over a month as part of a protest by the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) (Non-Political). These groups have been demonstrating at Shambhu and Khanauri on the Punjab-Haryana border since February 13, raising demands that include a legal guarantee for MSP (minimum support price).
The organizations have called for a state-wide shutdown in Punjab on Monday (30th Dec) and sought support from other states. Punjab’s AAP government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has sent delegations of senior police officers to meet with Dallewal at Khanauri and establish dialogue with the protesters. However, these efforts have not persuaded Dallewal to end his fast.
As of Sunday, officials were still engaged in negotiations with him and other protest leaders.
On Friday, the Supreme Court reprimanded the Punjab government, stating that it appeared inactive in efforts to save Dallewal’s life.
When the state argued that the protesters had mobilized youth to prevent Dallewal’s transfer to a hospital, the court expressed concern, remarking, “It is abetment of suicide. You create a problem, and then you claim you cannot act.”
If Dallewal continues to resist medical intervention, the government may have to use force to hospitalize him, risking contempt of court if it fails to act. However, such an action could escalate tensions, as an earlier attempt to remove Dallewal at the start of his fast had backfired.
A government official acknowledged the delicate situation, emphasizing the need for a solution that avoids both collateral damage and non-compliance with the court order. The official admitted concerns over potential violence if force were used, as protesters have been guarding Dallewal.
KMM leader Sarvan Singh Pandher stated that the farmers were prepared for any consequences, declaring that the responsibility would fall on the Centre and Punjab government. He also called on youth from nearby villages to join the protests.
The state government faces additional pressure due to the Supreme Court directive. With CM Bhagwant Mann back from an overseas trip, discussions with senior officials are ongoing to find a resolution. Finance Minister Harpal Cheema expressed optimism, noting his recent meeting with Dallewal, though the farmer leader remained firm in his resolve. Cheema also urged the Centre to engage with the protesters, suggesting the Supreme Court direct the Centre to address the farmers’ concerns.
Earlier, the Punjab government had forcibly removed Dallewal from the protest site in late November before his fast began, but this led to increased anger and swelling support for the Khanauri protest. The government later allowed Dallewal to return, but time was lost as the administration focused on civic polls.
With the situation at a critical stage, both the state and central governments face mounting pressure to resolve the standoff peacefully while complying with the Supreme Court’s order.
