Tensions escalated between the medical team deployed at Khanauri border and the protesting farmers after accusations of negligence in treating farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is on the 58th day of his fast-unto-death. The conflict deepened when doctors from Patiala’s Rajindra Hospital refused to continue Dallewal’s treatment, citing harassment and misbehaviour by some protesting farmers.
The standoff emerged after farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar accused the on-duty medical staff of “mishandling” an intravenous (IV) drip on Tuesday night, resulting in swelling in Dallewal’s hand. Kohar alleged that an inexperienced junior doctor increased the drip’s speed, causing severe discomfort to the farmer leader. “This act of negligence reflects the apathy towards Dallewal’s critical health condition,” said Kohar, adding that no senior doctor was present at that time.
The medical team, however, refuted these claims and alleged harassment by the protesting farmers. In a letter to the hospital’s medical superintendent, they expressed concerns over their safety and announced their decision to withdraw from treating Dallewal. “The farmers’ behaviour has been unacceptable. We cannot work under such hostile conditions,” the letter stated.
Following the escalation, a team led by Patiala Civil Surgeon Dr Jagpalinder Singh visited the protest site to address the grievances. They assured the farmers that experienced doctors would now be available round-the-clock to monitor Dallewal’s condition. Senior officials also apologized for any lapses. Farmers, in turn, denied allegations of misbehaviour, accusing the medical team of trying to deflect blame.
As a result, Dallewal resumed medical treatment after a 15-hour hiatus, but only in the presence of administrative officials. A specially-modified tractor trolley, equipped with sunlight access and modern facilities, was also prepared for him, where he spent three hours in fresh air for the first time in 58 days.
Farmer leaders are now urging the Central Government to advance their meeting, currently scheduled for February 14, to avoid further risks to Dallewal’s life. US-based cardiologist Dr Swaiman Singh, overseeing his treatment, warned that the farmer leader’s recovery would require immediate intervention and adequate nutrition.
SC Monitoring Dallewal’s Health
The Supreme Court also weighed in on Dallewal’s health during a hearing on Wednesday. Punjab Advocate-General Gurminder Singh informed the Court that the farmer leader’s health had shown improvement after receiving medical aid. The Court urged Dallewal to prioritize his health, with Justice KM Joseph expressing hope that he would remain mentally and physically strong to fight for his cause.
The Apex Court also advised Dallewal to travel to Chandigarh for a thorough medical check-up at the PGIMER a couple of days before the February 14 meeting with the Central Government. “We urge Dallewal to prioritize his health and take the necessary medical aid to ensure his effective participation in the upcoming discussions,” the Court stated.
The Court, however, raised objections to the Punjab Government’s claim that Dallewal was “out of danger” and directed the statement to be amended to reflect only “improvement in his condition”.
Farmers Gear Up for Jan 26 Tractor March: One Protest, Two Calls, One Target
This Republic Day, Punjab’s roads will witness an extraordinary show of unity as farmers gear up for a massive tractor march, with more than 80,000 tractors set to take part in protests at more than 200 locations across the State. The demonstration is being organized by two farmer bodies — the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) – a pan-India farmers’ body which led 2020 agitation; and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and SKM (non-political) – two factions leading the ongoing ‘Delhi Chalo’ agitation at Punjab borders — with each calling for a separate march but united in their target — the BJP-led Central Government.
The SKM, known for leading the year-long protests against the now-repealed farm laws at Delhi borders, has called for an all-India protest against the National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing — a draft policy aiming to improve the agricultural marketing system in India arguing that it is an effort “to bring back farm laws through the back door”.
In Punjab, tractor marches will be held at tehsil level, with farmers from villages converging in organized routes to key protest points within each tehsil. At least 250 tractors are expected to gather in over 100 tehsils, making it one of the largest mobilizations in recent history. Farmers will return to their villages after the protest, which will run from noon to 3 pm on January 26.
Meanwhile, the KMM and SKM (NP), who have been protesting at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders for almost a year now, are calling for tractor marches to demand a legal guarantee for MSP. These outfits plan to target over 50 toll plazas, corporate silos, BJP leaders’ residences, and malls across the state. Over 65,000 tractors are expected to participate in these protests, all to be carried out peacefully, said KMM convener Sarwan Singh Pandher.
The ongoing fast-unto-death by farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, now in its 58th day, has further fueled support for the cause, with farmers rallying behind his demands. Farmers associated with these unions also plan to hold additional marches towards the Shambhu border on January 29-30 to reinforce their position, ahead of the scheduled February 14 meeting with Centre.