Thiruvananthapuram – The ASHA Health Workers Association has announced the end of their hunger strike as they prepare to escalate their protest into the next phase. The decision comes as the strike reached its 43rd day.
While the hunger strike has been called off, ASHA workers continue their intense protest, which has now entered its 81st day at the Secretariat premises. The next phase was marked today with the flag-off ceremony of a protest march from the Secretariat steps.
The 24/7 sit-in protest began on February 10, with ASHA workers demanding various rights, including an increase in their honorarium. As negotiations with the Health Minister and other officials failed to yield results, the workers intensified their strike by launching a hunger protest on March 20 at 11 a.m.
The protest gained attention through symbolic actions such as cutting their hair and head-shaving, which began on the 50th day of the agitation. The fourth phase of the protest was declared on the 71st day, during which a protest march was announced.
With their core demands still unmet, ASHA workers are determined to continue their struggle in more forceful and visible forms.
