Farmers intensify protests as SC deadline for Dallewal ends

A day before the Supreme Court's deadline to shift him to a hospital, farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal on Monday doubled down on his protest, calling for reinforcements at the Khanauri border while refusing medical attention on the 35th day of his fast-unto-death.

- HT Correspondents

SANGRUR/CHANDIGARH:

"We will not allow the morcha to be taken. Either we will win, or we will lay down our lives for this cause," Dallewal said in a statement to supporters, warning that government forces were being mobilised.

"A large force has already been stationed in Patran. I urge everyone who participated in the Punjab Bandh, along with the people of Haryana, to come to the Khanauri Border in full strength."

Tejvir Singh, a protester at the site, said Dallewal's health had worsened in the past two days, with the leader unable to take water.

The apex court had given the Punjab government until December 31 to persuade Dallewal to shift to a hospital, granting the state liberty to seek logistical support from the Centre if necessary. Farmers at the Khanauri protest site have stepped up security, apprehending forced medical intervention by authorities, people gathered there said.

A state government team led by former additional DGP Jaskaran Singh made several attempts to convince the fasting leader to accept medical help. Following his latest meeting with Dallewal at the protest site on Monday, Singh told reporters that while the leader was weak, his condition remained "stable."