CPI-ML (L) leader continues fast

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Sept 5: Apart from deciding to continue their hunger-strike demanding flood relief for 97 families from Manikchak block, the CPI-ML (Liberation) leaders of Malda has called a "mass hunger-strike" over the issue tomorrow.Mr Naba Kumar Biswas, one of the CPI-ML (Liberation) leaders of Malda, has continued his fast in front of the Manikchak block development office over the issue.Mr Mrityunjay Das, a district committee leader of the party, today claimed that Mr Osman Ali, a CPI leader, has extended his support to the hunger-strike. It may be recalled that erosion and flood-hit villagers had recently blocked the state highway at Manikchak, extending their moral support to the movement launched by Mr Biswas. Mr Das said they would organise relay huger-strike from Friday if the administration fails to take measure. Yesterday, the district administration had sent a deputy magistrate, Mr S Mukherjee, to request Mr Biswas to call off his hunger-strike.The official had reportedly assured Mr Biswas that the 97 families would get flood relief from the state government. The CPI (ML) leader, however, refused to call off the strike, alleging that the block authorities did not agree to distribute tarpaulin sheets to all victims according to the list submitted by the locals. It was decided that a panchayat level all-political party meeting would be held on the issue of tarpaulin sheet distribution. The meeting, however, was postponed yesterday.