Left launches hunger strike in AP

Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, July 23 (UNI) As part of their state-wide stir demanding distribution of agricultural land and house sites to all eligible poor, CPI and CPI (M) leaders launched a hunger strike before the Gandhi Statue here today.

Led by CPI District Secretary P Harinatha Reddy and his CPI (M) Counterpart K Murali led at least 2,000 activists in the stir to exert pressure on the government and district officials on the demand.

Later, talking to the press, the two Left leaders strongly criticised the state for 'dragging its feet' on implementing the recommendations of the Koneru Ranga Rao Committee constituted by the Congress Government.

The fast will continue up to July 27 with a similar agitation before the Municipal Corporation office in Tirupati by town leaders from July 24, they said.

The government was trying to suppress the land struggle agitation with the Congress keen on safeguarding the interests of party 'big wigs,' the Left leaders alleged.

They said they would not rest till the committee report was implemented.

UNI