Farmers ask Bittu to set time for talks as Dallewal continues fast

Bathinda: The anger among the protesting farmers is on the rise as farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s health continues to deteriorate.
Dallewal has been on fast unto death for the last 16 days in support of various demands pertaining to farming, including legal right on the minimum support price as per the C2+50% profit formula.
On Wednesday, Union minister of state Ravneet Singh Bittu and Takhat Damdama Sahib jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh expressed their concern for Dallewal. Bittu asked the farmers to fix time and place for the talks and he would be present there as he was concerned about the deteriorating condition of Dallewal.
As per a team of doctors from 5 Rivers Heart Association – an NGO, Dallewal has lost 12 kg weight and his kidneys and liver were getting affected. The farmers had not allowed a team of doctors sent by the district authorities to examine Dallewal and sought previous reports when they were finally allowed to check the farmer leader.
Talking about Bittu’s assertions, farmer leaders stated that they were always in favour of talks and if the central govt was serious, it should formally invite them for a dialogue.
Farmer leader Kaka Singh Kotda, commenting on Bittu’s claims, said the minister should first make up his mind, whether he was with the farmers or not. He said Bittu in one moment speaks against the farmers and retracts his statement the other moment. “If he is true to his word, he should make the central govt send a letter and farmers are ready for talks,” said Kotda.
Farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohad said during the previous farmer protest too the Union agriculture minister had stated that he was only a phone call away, but that phone never came and neither the phone number was shared.
“Instead of speaking up this way, the govt should formally call a meeting and share time and place and farmers are ready to participate,” said Kohad, adding that Dallewal would give an important message about the ongoing protest at 3 pm on Dec 12.
Jathedar Harpreet Singh, meanwhile, asked both central and Punjab govts to do the needful for resuming talks as guidance of such a seasoned and senior farmer leader, who had the spirit to struggle, was direly needed. Prayers were held at gurdwaras and temples for the safety of Dallewal even as farmer leaders claimed that a rally had been planned in Surrey, Canada, in support of their protest.