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Journalism of Courage
Despite directions from the Supreme Court of India, the Punjab government has been unable to shift agitating farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal to a hospital. The government has now decided to seek an extension of three more days from the court, citing ongoing talks with Dallewal and “several positive developments.”
Top government sources told The Indian Express that multiple channels were being explored, and the Centre might hold a meeting with the agitating farmers. “Negotiations are underway. We are informed that the Centre may consider meeting the farmers. All channels are open. It seems we will be able to avoid confrontation with the farmers and the forced removal of Dallewal,” a source said.
Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh confirmed that the state had sought more time, with the matter listed for hearing on Tuesday. Punjab Chief Secretary KAP Sinha is expected to file a reply to the contempt notice issued by the Supreme Court, asking why the government failed to shift Dallewal to a hospital. The court had set Tuesday as the deadline for compliance.
Government officials, however, are concerned about the possibility of strict action against the top bureaucrat and police. “We hope the SC will consider the progress made through the channel with the Centre,” said a functionary.
On Monday, the government resolved to continue persuading Dallewal to accept medical assistance. In its submission to the SC, it plans to argue that political and administrative officers are actively engaging with Dallewal, with doctors regularly monitoring his health. The state is also optimistic about potential breakthroughs in talks facilitated by the Centre.
“We hope to get a few more days,” said a government official. Another official noted that the police had prepared for a midnight operation to shift Dallewal but held back due to concerns over collateral damage. “About 3,500 farmers gathered at the Khanauri border on Monday night after Dallewal’s call for youth to mobilise following the bandh. Given this situation, it seems wiser to rely on dialogue rather than a forced operation, which could lead to loss of life on both sides. The farmers are guarding Khanauri to prevent police action against Dallewal,” the official added.
Another source emphasised the need for a peaceful resolution. “If there is bloodshed or something happens to Dallewal, the state could face a serious law-and-order crisis. We’ve seen what happened at Bargari after police firing on protesters. Punjab still hasn’t recovered from that bitterness. We cannot afford a repeat. We must tread carefully.”
On Monday, Dallewal’s hunger strike entered its 35th day. Retired IPS officer Jaskaran Singh met Dallewal and held discussions, but the farmer leader refused to shift to a hospital. “We are working on him. The ball is now in the Centre’s court,” said an official.
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