LPST rank holders' protest intensifies as hunger striker Valarmathi hospitalised again, condition worsens

Thiruvananthapuram: The LPST appointment protest in front of the Kerala Secretariat has intensified after protest committee leader Valarmathi was hospitalised for the second time as her health deteriorated on the 18th day of her hunger strike. She is currently in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Thiruvananthapuram General Hospital.

Valarmathi, leader of the protest committee representing LPST rank holders, was admitted to Thiruvananthapuram General Hospital again on Wednesday night after her health condition worsened during her indefinite hunger strike.

She was brought to the hospital around 11 pm and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. She has been on hunger strike for 18 days as part of the ongoing protest demanding action on LPST appointments.

This is her second hospitalisation during the agitation. Although police had shifted her to the hospital earlier, Valarmathi returned to the protest venue on Thursday morning and resumed her hunger strike.

However, her health deteriorated further by night, prompting another hospital admission.

Another candidate continues hunger strike

Following Valarmathi's hospitalisation on Wednesday, LPST candidate M Jayakrishnan has continued the hunger strike in support of the demands raised by the rank holders.

The protest is continuing in a tent erected by the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) on Wednesday night.

The new tent was set up at the same location where police had earlier demolished the protesters' previous shelter.

Why are LPST rank holders protesting?

The agitation is being organised by candidates included in the Kerala Public Service Commission's LPST rank list, who are demanding appointments and government intervention in resolving their concerns.

One of their principal demands is a reduction in the student-teacher ratio.

The government had earlier asked the protesters to withdraw their hunger strike. Although some of their other demands were considered, the protest committee maintains that no favourable decision has been taken on its most important demand concerning the student-teacher ratio.

The committee has therefore decided to continue the agitation until the government takes a favourable decision.

With Valarmathi back in hospital and M Jayakrishnan continuing the hunger strike, the protest has entered another critical phase.

The immediate concern is Valarmathi's health, while the larger dispute remains unresolved over the appointment demands and the student-teacher ratio. The continuation of the agitation will depend on whether the government and the protest committee reach an agreement on the outstanding demands.