Hospitalized strikers continue fast under critical condition; SHDDC says end to impasse close
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network
Imphal, August 22 2011:
The condition of the seven hunger strikers who were admitted to a local hospital on Saturday have deteriorated, said the hospital authority and advised the state government to take over their care even as the strikers reportedly continued to refuse eating and even nose feeding.
Twelve women had launched a hunger strike on Augus 15 in support of the ongoing general strike launched by Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee (SHDDC) for the creation of Sadar Hills district that began on midnight July 31 .
The seven hunger strikers admitted to a community health centre at Kangpokpi on August 20 under a critical condition.
Their health have reportedly have worsened as they continued to fast inside the hospital and refused to eat under the supervision of the attendant doctor.
Having given up all attempts, Dr Pushpa Rai, MO in-charge at the health centre, reportedly stated in a medical report forwarded to the Additional Deputy Commissioner that the authority at the centre was unable to manage the seven hunger strikers.
"They refuse to eat or be nose fed," she said and sought the intervention of the state government.
Meanwhile, an emailed press statement from Delhi by SHDDC said, "We feel proud of the hunger strikers and those who volunteered to sacrifice their precious lives for this noble cause because districthood will bring more development and strengthen the integrity of the state" .
The statement maintained that a "diplomatic approach in Delhi and meeting with central leaders are progressing.
We got attention of the VVIPs and all our meetings are positive and encouraging.
A substantial solution to end the impasse over the movement of districthood is awaiting" .
While observing that the present movement is to be fought unto the last against the verbal assurances and lip promises, the statement persuaded the people of Sadar Hills to "unceasingly lend a helping hand, moral support from the volunteers of the noble cause to continue and strengthen the movement and remain adamant for there will surely be the day we will achieve our aspiration" .
"Divisive policy of vested interests and uninvited section of communities should be ignored and not accounted to for the spirit of narrow mindedness usually brings the worst result.
Our society would be a healthy one if everyone has the spirit of positive thinking", it said.
Meanwhile, with the agitation by SHDDC entering the 22nd day today with another agitation triggered by the Nagas since yesterday, the people of Manipur are reeling under a sharp and exponential price rise of essential communities.
A 9-member Red Cross Society (RCS) Manipur led by general secretary Dr M Lala sought a meeting with SHDDC today seeking access to National Highway 39 to ferry in life saving drugs which have run out owing to the ongoing agitation.
The SHDDC has reportedly given the permission to bring in the required drugs via National Highway 39 .
The team also went to Senapati to meet members of United Naga Council (UNC) concerning the same matter but returned without meeting them as none of them were available at the district headquarters.
The Red Cross team then visited the seven hunger strikers at the health centre and interacted with them.
The general secretary reportedly advised the hospital authority to shift the hunger strikers immediately to Imphal as their conditions have deteriorated.
Comment
