Jailed Maoists to launch agitation

HAZARIBAG:

More than 100 Maoists lodged at Hazaribag Central Jail launched agitation for fulfilment of their demands, jail sources said here on Sunday.

The jailed Maoists, led by sub-zonal commander Sunil Ganjhu and senior Maoist leader Mithilesh, have submitted a 20-point charter of demands to the jail administration. The demands include better provision of power and drinking water in all the jail wards, provision of mosquito nets and halt on transfer of prisoners from Hazaribag jail to other jails.

A senior jail official said the Maoists had launched agitation in support of their demands on earlier occasions also. But, this time, they are angry because Rs 25,000 and a letter sent by Sunil Ganjhu's beloved Sarita Ganjhu was recovered from his possession. The letter was seized by the police when Sunil was taken to the sessions court here in connection with a case.

Police had then lodged one more case against Sunil, Sarita and the courier. Jail sources said in the first phase of agitation, which will continue for a week, Maoists will take meal only once a day. In the second phase of agitation, which will also continue for a week, they will skip both the meals served everyday. If the administration still fails to fulfill their demands, they will then go for indefinite hunger strike.

The Maoists have also warned the jail administration not to suppress their agitation. Hazaribag jail superintendent Uday Prasad Kushwaha said he has received the charter of demands submitted by the Maoists and he has informed the authorities concerned about the agitation.

Kushwaha said talks are on with the Maoist leaders to end their agitation on the jail campus. He said facilities are provided to the prisoners according to the jail manual.