AKRSU calls off indefinite hunger strike

Guwahati, Dec 21 (UNI) The fast-unto-death by the All Koch Rajbonshi Students Union (AKRSU), Chilarai Sena and Koch Rajbonshi Mahila Samity was called off today after the State Government assured of Prime Ministerial level tripartite talks after the Panchayat polls in January.

AKRSU president Biswajit Rai informed that State Health Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sharma called upon the agitators at the Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), where they were admitted by the Government following deterioration in their condition.

''Dr Sharma, representing the Chief Minister said AKRSU's demand for a tripartite talk involving the Centre, State Government and AKRSU at the Prime Ministerial level will be addressed immediately after the Panchayat polls in the January end, '' Mr Rai said.

With the Chief Minister's assurance, AKRSU had decided to suspend its various district-level bandhs that it had called from tomorrow.

The decision to call off the 1000-hour statewide bandh, called from January one, would be reviewed at the body's executive meeting tomorrow, AKRSU leader said.

On the health condition of the supporters, who were on hunger strike, he said only four had been admitted at the GMCH now and the rest were discharged today.

The hunger strike commenced on December 14.

AKRSU had been demanding ST status for the Koch Rajbonshi community and also a separate Kamatapur state, carved out of a part of western Assam and north Bengal.

UNI