PATHANKOT: At an age when most people would seek the safety and comfort of home, 82-year-old Sharam Singh and 72-year-old Kulwinder Singh have spent the past 10 days exposed to rain, strong winds and the open sky — perched on a 200-foot-high tower near the residence of the deputy commissioner, Pathankot, at Madhour, around 10 km from the city.The two men climbed the tower in protest against the management of Shahpur Kandi Dam on August 25 to press for their demands.Despite torrential rain over the past two days and their deteriorating health, they have refused to come down, said Bairaj Oustee Sangarash Committee president Dayal Singh.Speaking over the phone, Kulwinder Singh said the frequent rain had begun affecting his health. “Every second day, there is rain and it has caused health problems. But we have no option,” he said.Dayal Singh said they are demanding the termination of around three dozen persons appointed by the dam management or jobs for their kin.He added that land belonging to both of them was taken into possession for the construction of the dam for a paltry amount of Rs 2,700 per kanal. They were also promised jobs for their children.He said Kulwinder Singh had been suffering from breathing difficulties for the past two days, while Sharam Singh was running a high fever.“After spending 10 days in the open on a tiny tarpaulin sheet both below their feet and above their heads, their bodies are giving way,” Dayal Singh said. Food is being provided to the protesters twice a day and drinking water is also being supplied. However, their condition continues to worsen, he added.“Strong winds and heavy rain at a height of 200 feet can break anyone’s resolve. But these two elderly men remain determined,” he said, adding, “If anything happens to either of them, the administration and the government will be responsible.”Despite repeated attempts, Chief Engineer Sher Singh couldn’t be contacted for his comments.
