Logjam continues as 111 farmers join Dallewal on fast-unto-death

NEW DELHI: Amid rising tensions between the two countries, the twice-postponed Director General (DG)-level border talks between India and Bangladesh are now likely to be held here from February 16, with issues such as border fencing and the rise in infiltration attempts following the regime change in Dhaka expected to be major topics of discussion, official sources said on Wednesday.

A delegation of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) is scheduled to hold discussions with their counterparts in the Border Security Force (BSF) from February 16 to 19 as part of the 55th edition of these bi-annual talks. “For 51 days, Dallewal has endured this fast, and the Centre remains indifferent,” said Hardojhande. “If our leader dies, we are prepared to sacrifice our lives too.”

Jind Deputy Superintendent of Police Amit Bhatia urged protesters to maintain peace, stating, “We are handling this with utmost restraint. Section 163 is in effect, and terms for a peaceful demonstration have been communicated.” Dallewal’s critical condition has drawn parallels with historical hunger strikes in India. Farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar criticised the Union government for its inaction, noting, “The Centre neither listens nor initiates dialogue. Dallewal’s health is worsening; his body rejects even water.”

The farmers have been protesting at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points since February last year after being blocked from marching to Delhi. Their demands include a legal guarantee for MSP and other agrarian issues. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan recently stated the government would act per Supreme Court directives. However, the stalemate persists, and doctors warn that Dallewal’s health is rapidly declining.