Tue Jan 07 04:44:57 UTC 2025: ## Farmer’s Health Deteriorates During 42-Day Hunger Strike

**Patiala, Punjab – January 7, 2025** – The condition of Jagjit Singh Dallewal, a 70-year-old farmer leader on a 42-day hunger strike, has critically worsened. His blood pressure plummeted to 80/56 on Monday, prompting concern from doctors at the protest site in Khanauri, on the Punjab-Haryana border. Despite repeated pleas from a Supreme Court-appointed committee, including former Punjab and Haryana High Court judge Nawab Singh, and the Punjab government, Mr. Dallewal has refused medical assistance. He continues his protest demanding a legal guarantee on minimum support prices (MSP) for crops.

The high-powered committee, tasked by the Supreme Court in September 2024 to resolve farmer grievances, met with Mr. Dallewal on Monday. While they urged him to seek medical help, Mr. Dallewal prioritized his demands over his health. The committee expressed concern but acknowledged their limited ability to compel him to accept treatment.

Mr. Dallewal’s hunger strike began on November 26, 2024. He is the convener of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), a group that, along with the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, has maintained a protest at the border since February 13, 2025. Their march to Delhi was earlier blocked by security forces.

Separately, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha reported that President Droupadi Murmu was unable to meet with them due to scheduling conflicts, despite their request to discuss Mr. Dallewal’s situation and outstanding farmer demands. The group expressed regret but intends to pursue another meeting with the President.

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