Congress leaders withdraw hunger strike in Odisha

The Congress leaders announced to intensify agitation against the state government for its 'anti-tribal' atittude.

BHUBANESWAR: Vice-president of the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) Pradip Majhi and five other party leaders including legislator Krushna Chandra Sagaria today ended their six-day hunger strike after submitting a memorandum to Governor SC Jamir. The Congress leaders announced to intensify
agitation against the state government for its 'anti-tribal' atittude.

The Congress leaders were on a hunger strike in front of Raj Bhavan here demanding compensation of Rs 12 lakh for the families of children who had died due to Japanese Encephalitis in Malkangiri district and posting of doctors in all 55 vacant posts in the tribal-dominated district.

"The government gave Rs 5 lakh as ex gratia to victims of a fire incident in Bhubaneswar, while the amount of compensation for tribal families was only Rs 3 lakh," Majhi said criticising the state government.

The Congress leaders also demanded strong action against security personnel who had gunned down five innocent tribals and dalits including a child at Gumudumaha in Kandhamal district. "We will intensify our stir over these issues," Majhi said.

OPCC president Prasad Harichandan, who accompanied the Congress leaders to Raj Bhavan said the party would fight for the rights of tribal and dalit people.

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