Farm unions huddle as SC deadline ends

A day before the Supreme Court's deadline to shift Jagjit Singh Dallewal to a hospital, the farmer leader 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.

- Karam Prakash

KHANAURI:

"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," Dallewal said in a brief statement.

Meanwhile, the health of the veteran leader is deteriorating under the strain of the ongoing fast. 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.

On Monday, former additional director general of police (ADGP) Jaskaran Singh, who has been holding parleys with farmers, again met Dallewal at the Khanauri protest site to convince him to take medical aid.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the retired Punjab Police officer said a team of government doctors collected Dallewal's blood samples for conducting various tests, which are done twice a week.

"We have made the effort to convince the fasting leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal on Monday too. But he didn't budge. However, he gave his blood samples, and allowed medical examination by the government doctors," Jaskaran said. Replying to a question, he said Dallewal is weak, but "he is stable".