NSUI Activists Launch Hunger Strike in Rajasthan Demanding Student Union Elections
NSUI Activists Begin Hunger Strike
In Rajasthan, three members of the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) have climbed a water tank to demand the reinstatement of student union elections, announcing a hunger strike starting Friday. They stated that they will only consume water until the government provides a firm assurance regarding their demands. The activists, Vijaypal Kudi, Viona Jat, and Koshin Khan, ascended the water tank near the Tonk Gate Bridge close to Gandhi Nagar railway station at 8 AM on Thursday and have remained there since.
Vijaypal Kudi informed a news agency that they have about five liters of water with them. He mentioned that they do not have any food left. Initially, they brought some food and a rope to pull food up if necessary.
However, they have now declared an indefinite hunger strike, stating they will only drink water. Kudi noted that a senior police officer spoke with them last night and assured them that a meeting with the Deputy Chief Minister would be arranged. He emphasized that they need concrete action.
Kudi reiterated that they will not descend until the government provides a solid commitment to restore student union elections. He described the conditions on the tank, mentioning that due to practical difficulties, the protesters were conserving their food and water. He added that they had climbed the tank with limited supplies.
Considering the challenges of their situation, they have been consuming less food and water. The Assistant Police Commissioner (ACP) of Gandhi Nagar, Narayan Bajiya, had a conversation with the protesters last night, stating that efforts are ongoing to persuade the students to come down.
He remarked, 'We are in contact with the students and are trying to convince them to descend.' Meanwhile, NSUI spokesperson Ramesh Bhati indicated that the hunger strike commenced on Friday due to the lack of meaningful dialogue from the state government with the protesters. The Congress-affiliated organization is advocating for the resumption of student union elections in the state, which have not been held for several years.