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The ongoing hunger strike by farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal has entered its 41st day, raising serious concerns about his deteriorating health. Dallewal, the convener of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), embarked on this protest at the Khanauri border on National Highway-54 to advocate for a range of demands. His condition has become increasingly critical, with reports indicating significant weakening, slowed reflexes, and episodes of vomiting. Medical professionals attending to him have confirmed his fragility, noting a decline in his physical capabilities. While his vital signs, such as blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and heart rate, remain within certain parameters, the overall picture suggests a severe depletion of his physical reserves, brought on by the prolonged abstention from food and drink.
The severity of Dallewal's condition is underscored by the concerns expressed by Amritpal Singh from the NGO 5 Rivers Heart Association. Singh describes the farmer leader's insistence on addressing supporters despite his weakening state, highlighting the determination behind the protest, even at the cost of his own well-being. The fact that he vomited after speaking and struggled to sleep throughout the night points to the considerable strain his body is undergoing. This determination, while admirable, underscores the urgency of addressing the underlying issues that have prompted this extreme act of protest. The lack of adequate rest and sustenance is clearly taking a significant toll, raising questions about the ethical considerations of such prolonged self-denial.
The involvement of both private and government medical professionals adds a layer of complexity to the situation. While a team of government doctors conducts daily checkups, under the supervision of Dr. Swaimaan Singh's team from 5 Rivers Heart Association, it's clear that the level of care being provided is a subject of ongoing negotiation and, possibly, tension. The refusal of Dallewal to receive intravenous fluids further complicates the medical management of his case. This raises concerns about the level of cooperation between the government and the protesting farmers, suggesting potential trust issues that may further hamper the resolution of the conflict.
The ongoing negotiations between the Punjab government and SKM-NP leaders highlight the political dimension of the situation. The fact that a high-level government team, including senior police officials, is engaged in talks indicates the seriousness with which the authorities are treating the situation. This willingness to negotiate suggests a desire to find a resolution before Dallewal’s health deteriorates further. However, the separate negotiations involving the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and SKM (excluding SKM-NP) points to a deep division within the farming community itself. This internal fragmentation could weaken the farmers' overall bargaining power and make it more challenging to achieve a unified outcome.
The tragic death of Sukhmander Singh, a 54-year-old farmer, at the Shambhu border protest site adds another layer of grief and urgency to the situation. The fact that this death, caused by being hit by a vehicle, brings the total number of farmer deaths at protest sites to over 30 since February 13, 2022, underlines the precarious conditions under which the protestors are living and the human cost of the ongoing conflict. This loss underscores the dire need for a swift and effective resolution to the underlying issues driving the protests. The cumulative impact of prolonged hunger strike, coupled with tragic deaths, demands immediate attention from all stakeholders.
The article concludes with a focus on the upcoming Gurpurab celebrations, highlighting the continued presence and solidarity of the protesting farmers. The planned event at Shambhu border underscores the enduring determination of the protesters to maintain their presence and exert pressure on the authorities to address their demands. However, the continued lack of unity amongst the various farmer organizations poses a significant challenge to the movement's overall effectiveness. The internal disagreements and lack of coordination may ultimately hinder their ability to successfully negotiate with the government, leaving the farmers vulnerable to further losses and hardships.
In essence, the situation at the Khanauri and Shambhu border protest sites is a complex interplay of political negotiation, medical crisis, and human tragedy. Dallewal’s precarious health is a direct result of his commitment to his cause, raising serious ethical concerns about the methods employed. While the government's efforts to negotiate show a willingness to address the situation, the internal divisions within the farming community, coupled with the tragic loss of life, cast a long shadow over any potential for a positive resolution. The upcoming court hearing and continued talks provide a glimmer of hope, but the underlying issues that have driven farmers to resort to these drastic measures need to be addressed with urgency and sincerity to prevent further loss of life and prolonged suffering.
Source: Hunger Strike Day 41: ‘Farmer leader Dallewal still weak, his reflexes have slowed down’