Pradeep Majhi’s hunger strike in jail reaches Day 5

Umerkote: The hunger strike launched by former MP and Congress leader Pradeep Majhi inside the Umerkote Sub-jail reached the fifth day today.

Sources said the condition of Majhi is critical.

Meanwhile, 18 other Congress activists, who were arrested along with Majhi and lodged in the sub-jail, have called off their hunger strike.

Two secretaries of the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) have met the striking Majhi and enquired about his health condition.

On the other hand, OPCC chief Prasad Harichandan told media persons in Bhubaneswar today, “Nineteen activists of Congress were arrested in a false case and serious charges have been levelled against them. This shows the vindictive politics of the ruling party,” adding the State government is anti-tribal.

The OPCC chief also informed that the party will observe a bandh in KBK districts on July 2 demanding implementation of the forest land rights law.

Notably, Pradeep Majhi and 18 others were arrested last week for ransacking Raigarh forest range office and manhandling the ranger and police staff. The Congress activists were demanding forest land patta to tribals and asking for a fresh survey to identify eligible beneficiaries.