Kathmandu, May 7

The health condition of hunger strikers, who have been staging fast-unto-death in Khula Manch since April 28 demanding employment for educated youths and economic prosperity in the country, is getting worse.

Some of the young agitators were admitted to the hospitals after they fainted due to weakness. Deepak BC, an organiser of the campaign, said, “According to doctors, they are suffering from low blood pressure, gastritis and other health problems,” he informed.

On an average, two hunger strikers are being rushed to hospital from the protest site. BC said Jibita Acharya, Anupam Lamichhane, Manju Gautam and Anusha Rai have been admitted to the Bir Hospital for treatment. Doctors from the Bir Hospital, Kathmandu Model Hospital, Alka Hospital and Civil Services were requested to conduct health check-up of strikers.

As many as 12 agitators have been staging hunger strike demanding that the government provide youths job opportunity depending on their ability, skill, and efficiency. Though leaders of various parties have expressed their solidarity with the agitation, government authorities have yet to respond to their demands, said Gyanendra Adhikari, who is also a member of the organising committee.

Former prime minister Baburam Bhattarai, former minister Prakash Chandra Lohani, former chief secretary Leela Mani Paudyal, former army chief Rookmangud Katawal, among others, have expressed solidarity with the hunger strikers.