Farmers at the Khanauri border have stepped up the security of Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, whose indefinite fast entered the 14th day on Monday. The step has been taken to thwart any attempt by the state government to remove Dallewal from the morcha site in view of his worsening health.
With the senior farmer leader refusing to eat anything, a Punjab Government team headed by Patiala range DIG Mandeep Singh Sidhu met Dallewal and tried to persuade him to take his medicines regularly. Dallewal, however, refused to end his fast till the Centre accepted the demands of farmers.
Sources say police officials were also in for a surprise when they met Dallewal in a tent where hundreds of volunteers were on vigil.
Talking to The Tribune, the DIG said he met Dallewal to enquire about his health and wellbeing as he was a senior farmer union leader. “I met other farm union leaders also and urged them to ensure that Dallewal took his medicines on time,” he said.
Farmers have created five-tier security ring around Dallewal’s camp with tractors and trailers locked with chains barricading the outer layer of security where over 50 farmers maintain regular vigil.
In the inner security circle, farmers have set up tents and are keeping a tight vigil. The third and second tiers of security have youngsters and senior members who keep awake the entire night to check movement of any suspected person near the main camp site. The inner-most tier of security has some former Army men and close confidants who allow movement of only “select leaders”.
“We are keeping close eye on anyone trying to reach near the camp of Dallewal. No one is allowed there till we are sure of his or her identity. We do not want a repeat of November 26, when the Punjab cops swooped on the camp and managed to whisk away Dallewal in the name of a health check-up,” said a farmer union leader.
“We have also made it clear to the police. If they try to take any action against our peaceful protest, there will be repercussions,” they said.
Dallewal is on medication after his recent treatment for prostate cancer.