As the hunger strike of United Kisan Morcha leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal in Khanauri border entered its 16th day, the Punjab and Central governments are locked in a blame game, showing little interest in addressing farmers’ demands.
Although four rounds of talks were held in February this year, the Center has not started the fifth round of talks with the agitating farmers. Meanwhile, Punjab’s top leadership has not made any direct appeal to the Center to resolve the impasse. Two days ago, Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhawan asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene, but no action was taken.
The agitating farmers have expressed their willingness to negotiate with the Centre, but despite the continuous decline in Dallewal’s health, no communication has been possible.
Attempts by the Punjab Police to get Dallewal medically tested have failed. On Wednesday, the protesting farmers withdrew the team of doctors. “We asked him to get tested, but he refused. He is old, a cancer patient, and has not allowed any tests or intoxicating liquids. If he is forcibly taken to the hospital, the tension may escalate,” said an official.
The situation echoes the 2015 hunger strike of Sikh activist Surat Singh Khalsa, who was taken to hospital by police after his condition worsened. Unlike Dallewal, Khalsa assisted the medical team.
Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu expressed concern about Dallewal’s health and mentioned that he has lost 15 kg so far. “I have raised this issue with senior leadership and will do so again. But why is the Chief Minister of Punjab silent? He should press the Center to take action – this is his state, and he cannot let this happen,” Bittu said.
AAP spokesperson Neil Garg handed over the responsibility to the Centre. “The Center should listen to the farmers. Their demand is focused on the central government. More than 750 farmers have lost their lives, how many more do they want? He said.
Garg defended the Punjab government when questioned about AAP’s muted response. “I am sure the chief minister and others have made many appeals,” he added, without specifying the recent efforts.