BHUBANESWAR:
Intensifying its fasting agitation demanding loan waiver for the rain-hit farmers, Orissa Pradesh Youth Congress (OPYC) asked its district units to start relay hunger strikes from Monday even as six of its workers were shifted to hospital as their condition deteriorated.
The hunger strike led by OPYC president and MP Pradeep Majhi, entered the fourth day on the New Year's day as the state government remained silent.
"As the state government was yet to respond to our demands, OPYC had asked its district units to launch relay hunger strikes in district level," Majhi said adding that the agitation could be extended up to block and panchayat levels if the state government did not announce loan waiver upto Rs 50,000 for the small and marginal farmers.
Besides demanding loan waiver, OPYC had launched its hunger strike on December 30 seeking enhancement of compensation for the affected farmers, inclusion of seven coastal districts in the list of affected areas, crop insurance to peasants and other benefits.
The ruling BJD had asked OPYC to shift its hunger strike agitation to Delhi accusing the centre of neglecting the state.The hunger strike led by OPYC president and MP Pradeep Majhi in the state capital entered its fourth day today as the state government remained silent on their demand.
"Relay hunger strike will start at district level from tomorrow as the government is yet to respond to our demands," Majhi told, adding the agitation could be extended up to blocks and panchayats if the government fails to announce loan waiver upto Rs 50,000 for small and marginal farmers.
Besides demanding loan waiver, OPYC had launched its hunger strike on December 30 seeking enhancement of compensation for the affected farmers, inclusion of seven coastal districts in the list of affected areas, crop insurance to peasants and other benefits.
