Three more join hunger strike

A Correspondent

Shillong, May 23: Three more people on Saturday joined the indefinite hunger strike undertaken by former KHADC, Chief Executive Member (CEM) Adelbert Nongrum and city youth Goldy Warjri even as his health deteriorated on Saturday.

On Saturday at around 5:30 pm, Goldy Warjri was rushed to the Civil Hospital after his health started deteriorating due to extreme loose motion and low BP, according to the doctors, but Warjri refused to break his hunger strike and later re-joined it. Those who joined the indefinite strike on Saturday included Hynniewtrep Achik tiol Movement (HANM) vice president Bobby Basaiawmoit, Devijune Myrthong, HANM General Secretary Northwest Khasi Hills, Samborlang Lyngkhoi, working president, Nongkhlaw Circle.

The HANM has also gave a seven-day deadline to the government to pass the Village Administration Bill (VAB) and has threatened to agitate if the government fails to comply.

Bobby Basaiawmoit said that he joined the hunger strike after seeing Nongrum and Warjri fighting for the rights of the people and against the adamant behavior of the government.

“We all have our own work to perform, but time has demanded and I took the decision to join this hunger strike,” Basaiawmoit said. He also said even if there is clash of laws, the government should clarify. “It cannot just impose decisions forcing people to resort to agitations. If all stand united the government will have to listen,” he said. Meanwhile, E Bynnud, a BA first year student, who had joined the hunger strike on May 21, said that the government has confused the people by remaining silent and did not bother about those who are observing the hunger strike.

Bynnud also expressed sadness since no headman or Sordar has joined the hunger strike. Many people, including those from the Dorbar Shnong of Jaiaw Langsning and Dorbar Lumparing, visit the striking activists.  On Monday, the KHM will take out a silent procession from Jaiaw to the Civil Hospital Junction, the venue of indefinite hunger strike being staged by party leader Adelbert Nongrum and others.