Farm unions seek Centre’s help as Dallewal’s fast enters Day 43

Dallewal’s indefinite fast entered its 43rd day on Tuesday and doctors said his condition is critical. Throughout the day, Dallewal’s condition remained critical and he was unable to speak to anyone, farmers said.

Farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar stressed the Centre should resolve the farmers’ issues in a serious manner. “If anything happens to Dallewal, then there will be a ‘blot’ on the tenure of the present government at the Centre which may never be cleaned,” he said.

The protesting unions said effigies of the Modi government would be burnt across the country on January 10. On January 13, copies of the new agricultural policy draft would be burnt. On January 26, tractor rallies will be held, they said.

The Punjab government directed the Patiala Deputy Commissioner to ensure government doctors be stationed near Dallewal to monitor his condition and intervene, if necessary.

Farmers have been camping at Shambhu and Khanauri border points since February 13 last year, after they were prevented from marching to Delhi. The farmers have been raising demands, like a legal guarantee for minimum support price for crops.

– WITH PTI INPUTS