Meanwhile, farmers, on a warpath against the Centre, called for a “Kisan Mahapanchayat” at the Khanauri protest site on January 4.Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have also called for a Punjab bandh on Monday and claimed their strike call has received strong support from transporters, employees, traders, and other sections of society.Thought there will be a complete bandh on Monday, emergency services will remain operational, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said.On Saturday, while admonishing the Punjab government, the Supreme Court also suggested the possibility that Dallewal may not have been allowed to be taken to a hospital by other farmer leaders.In response, Dallewal, in a video message on the same day, said, “I am sitting on a fast. Who gave this report to the Supreme Court, and who spread this misconception that I have been kept hostage? Where did such a thing come from?” “Seven lakh farmers in this country have committed suicide due to debt. Saving farmers is necessary, therefore, I am sitting here. I am not under anyone’s pressure,” he added.Dallewal had earlier said he would not break his fast until the government agreed to the farmers’ demands.The Supreme Court gave the Punjab government time until December 31 to persuade Dallewal to shift to a hospital, granting the state the liberty to seek logistical support from the Centre, if necessary.In response the Punjab government said in the court that it is facing significant resistance from the protesting farmers, who have encircled Dallewal and are preventing him from being taken to a hospital.The apex court also termed the conduct of some farmer leaders accompanying Dallewal as surprising and questionable.Dallewal has so far refused medical treatment, and the state government has formed a team of doctors to monitor his health round-the-clock.Farmers, under the banner of SKM (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, have been camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13, after their march to Delhi was stopped by security forces.A “jatha” (group) of 101 farmers attempted to march to Delhi on foot three times between December 6 and 14 but were stopped by security personnel from Haryana.In addition to a legal guarantee for MSP, the farmers are demanding a debt waiver, pensions for farmers and farm labourers, no hike in electricity tariffs, the withdrawal of police cases, and “justice” for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
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