Tribals fast to back Medha Patkar

Mysore, Apr 6 (UNI) Over 100 tribals, led by NGOs, staged a symbolic day-long hunger strike before the Deputy Commissioner's office here to extend support to Narmada Bachao Andolan leader Medha Patkar.

Ms Patkar was on a fast-unto-death for the last eight days near Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, urging the Centre to rehabilitate the more than 35,000 tribals and poor families evicted from the Narmada valley for the construction of the Sardar Sarovar dam. Late last night, she was removed to the AIIMS by the police as her condition deteriorated.

Raising slogans in favour of Ms Patkar, the agitators alleged that the Union Government was least bothered about her hunger strike. The activists said a memorandum would be sent to the Prime Minister through the Deputy Commissioner.

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