Rajbiraj, November 10:

Seven workers of the Chandra Canal Irrigation Management Division No 2 began a fast-unto-death today to protest the sacking of 75 dayworkers of the division.

“We have been working for two decades. But the office chief, Mahendra Narayan Yadav, sacked us by issuing a notice after Tihar,” the agitating workers said. They said they were forced to stage the fast-unto-death after their week-long relay hunger strike failed to move the management.

Dayworkers Bijay Chaudhary, Tej Narayan Yadav, Raj Kumar Yadav, Buddhi Lal Yadav, Bideshwor Yadav, Lalu Shah and Jhorai Sada are on the fast-unto-death.

“Office chief Yadav stays in Kathmandu most of the time. He faxed a letter to inform us about the sacking,” said Sanjaya Kumar Das, coordinator of the struggle committee.

The agitators are demanding permanent appointment, insurance and attendant facilities.