SC deadline pressures Punjab government, options limited.
Jagjit Singh Dallewal, a prominent farmer leader, continues his hunger strike despite growing concerns over his health. The situation has escalated as protesters warn that “blood will be on the government’s hands” if Dallewal is forcibly removed. The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, is now under intense pressure as the Supreme Court’s deadline looms. Critics argue that the Mann government may have acted too late in addressing the issue, allowing tensions to escalate to this point. With limited options left, the government faces a delicate situation, balancing the health and safety of the leader with the demands of the protesters.
With just two days remaining until the deadline set by the Supreme Court for the hospitalization of fasting farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, the Punjab government finds itself in a race against time, yet struggling to make significant progress. The situation has become increasingly critical, with Dallewal’s health deteriorating as he continues his hunger strike. Despite efforts to engage with the protesters and convince Dallewal to end his fast, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab has not made any headway in resolving the issue.
The delegation attempted to negotiate with the farmer leader, but the fast continued, and tensions remained high.
As of the latest updates, another team of officials is still at the location, engaged in talks with Dallewal and his supporters in an attempt to find a solution. The protesters are determined in their stance, and Dallewal’s condition is a matter of growing concern as the deadline approaches.
The situation has drawn the attention of the Supreme Court, which has expressed severe dissatisfaction with the Punjab government’s handling of the matter. During a hearing on December 30, the Court remarked that there was an “impression” that the state government was not doing enough to protect Dallewal’s life. The Court was particularly critical of the state’s inaction in preventing the situation from escalating to this point.
The Punjab government’s defense, that the protesters had gathered a large number of youth to block any efforts to shift Dallewal, was rejected by the Court. The Bench expressed frustration, asking why the situation had been allowed to develop to such an extent. The Court went further, labeling the government’s response as “abetment of suicide,” suggesting that the state had allowed a dangerous situation to fester without taking adequate preventive measures.
“You first create a problem and then you take a plea, now there is a problem, we can do nothing,” the Bench stated, highlighting the responsibility of the Punjab government in addressing the crisis before it spiraled out of control.
The farmers, who have been protesting against various government policies for months, have been unwavering in their support for Dallewal. His hunger strike is seen as a symbol of their ongoing struggle for their demands, and they have made it clear that they will not back down until they see concrete action from the government. The situation remains tense, with Dallewal’s health continuing to deteriorate, and the Punjab government under immense pressure to act swiftly.
With the deadline set by the Supreme Court fast approaching, the Punjab government faces a difficult decision. The clock is ticking, and any further delay in resolving the standoff could have serious consequences for both Dallewal’s health and the state’s political stability. The next 48 hours are crucial, and the government must find a way to de-escalate the situation before it’s too late.