Political prisoners on hunger strike
An indefinite hunger strike by undertrials at a Kolkata jail, who are
demanding rights as political prisoners, is likely to spread to other
jails in the city as undertrials facing similar charges have expressed
their support. Rights activists said on Wednesday that a number of
political prisoners in jails across West Bengal could join the protest.
The hunger strike, which started with 30 political prisoners at the
Presidency Jail on September 1, will get support from 12 others at Dum
Dum Central Jail from Thursday.
Almost all the undertrials on hunger strike were those arrested over
the last few years for having Maoist links and face charges of sedition
and anti-national activities, including some booked under the dreaded
Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. While jail authorities have
refused to comment on the matter, rights activists alleged these inmates
were not being allowed to meet family and friends, not being given
newspapers or pen and paper to write letters. “They first sat for a
token hunger strike on August 29. The strike will continue till
authorities accept their demands,” said rights activist Sujato Bhadra.
Bhadra further said the inmates have been confined to a cell since they
went on hunger strike.
“Prison authorities insist there can be no discussion till the strike
is withdrawn. The inmates have refused to end the strike till
authorities pay heed to their demands. The protesters include alleged
Maoist leaders Gaur Chakraborty and Sadanala Ramakrishna, both ailing
and elderly,” he said.
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