KATHMANDU, OCT 19 -
Ganga Maya Adhikari, who had been surviving on intravenous nutrients for 355 days, ended her hunger strike on Saturday.
She was given a drink by Minister for Peace and Reconstruction Narahari
Acharya after the government promised to book the murderers of her son.
Eighteen-year-old Krishna Prasad was allegedly murdered after abduction
by rebel Maoists from his home in Fujel of Gorkha in 2004. She,
however, will not be taking solid food until her demand for justice is
met.
Her husband Nanda Prasad, 54, succumbed to hunger on September 22 in
Bir Hospital, where the fasting couple had been receiving care besides
nutrition doses. His body remains unclaimed at the morgue in Tribhuvan
University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj. The Adhikaris began their
hunger strike on October 25 last year, demanding investigation into the
murder of their son.
Minister Acharya said Interpol has issued a Red Corner Notice to book
Rudra Acharya, the main culprit of the murder believed to be staying in
Ireland.
“I am taking a drink to survive so that I can continue my fight for
justice,” Ganga Maya said in her written statement that was read out by
Rishi Raj Bhandari, joint-secretary at the Ministry of Peace and
Reconstruction. According to Bhandari, Ganga Maya will be taking malted
milk drink, oral rehydration salts, glucose and water.
The government has assured Ganga Maya that the guilty will be brought
to justice and that she would be compensated for the loss of property
the Adhikaris have incurred since the Maoist insurgency. The government
has announced a special relief package that includes security for family
members and free accommodation and health care for Ganga Maya
throughout her life.
“We hope the government delivers on its promises,” said Sudip Pathak, an appointee of the National Human Rights Commission.
Officials and human rights activists had convinced the couple in
September last year to end their 47-day fast while the government
assured to investigate the murder of their son. They had resumed the
death fast as the government failed to deliver on its promises.
Posted on: 2014-10-19 08:43 in eKantipur