Marandi's hunger strike enters fourth day

RANCHI: Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantric) chief Babulal Marandi's hunger strike against the state Government's anti-encroachment drive entered the fourth day today.

Marandi, who is on hunger strike from May 1, said he would continue his fast till the state agreed to rehabilitate all the displaced people through legislation.

Marandi claimed that nearly 19 lakh people had been displaced following the setting up of PSUs and private sectors at various places in the state.

Arjun Munda-led Jharkhand government, however, insisted that the administration was honouring the High Court directive to remove encroachment in government land.

Four persons had been killed in police firing at Matkoria in Dhanbad on April 27 while two died at Islam Nagar in Ranchi on April 5 when protesters opposed bulldozers flattening their dwellings.