Daya Bai's hunger strike:Govt promises to meet her demands

Thiruvananthapuram: The state government intervened in the hunger strike observed by social activist Daya Bai seeking justice for Endosulfan victims at the secretariat here. On Sunday, the government representatives held talks with the protest committee. Ministers R Bindhu and Veena George informed that the discussions turned fruitful.

The government has agreed to meet Daya Bai’s demands including hospital development in Kasaragod. Minister Bindu informed that Daya Bai has assured to conclude her strike in front of the state secretariat.

Meanwhile, the 81-year-old activist expressed happiness over the government’s intervention. She asserted that she will call off her strike once the government gives assurance to meet her demands through a written form.

“ Government has given similar promises earlier also. But none of these promises was fulfilled,” Daya Bai responded.

She is presently undergoing treatment at Govt. General Hospital here. 

The protest committee declared that she will resume her hunger strike once she improves her health condition.

The ministers visited the social activist at the hospital on Sunday. They discussed the welfare programmes in the pipeline for endosulfan victims in Kasaragod.

“The government has also taken a decision on AIIMS. We have initiated action to acquire land at Kinaloor in Kozhikode for establishing AIIMS. Other demands of the protest committee will be discussed with various hospitals in Kasaragod. Essential facilities for Endosulfan victims will be assured in the hospitals in Kasaragod,” explained health minister Veena George.

Daya Bai has been holding a hunger strike in front of secretariat for the last 14 days. Her demands include permanent solution for health care system in Kasaragod, medical camps to identify Endosulfan victims and smooth operation of daycare centres.