SHILLONG: Peeved by the alleged indifferent attitude of the State Government, Grade-IV candidates, all of them women, under the banner of the Association of Qualified Grade-IV-2011, East Khasi Hills District, began an indefinite hunger strike at Nongthymmai football ground here on Monday.
The hunger strike, which was called after the State Government failed to comply with the demand for extending the validity of the merit list, continued throughout the day despite the absence of any magistrate, police personnel or doctors. The validity of the merit list will end on Tuesday.
In January last, the Government had extended the validity of the merit for another six months after the Grade-IVcandidates had sat on an indefinite hunger strike then.
Out of the total 331 candidates who had qualified in the merit list, 289 have been appointed while 42 are still awaiting their turn. Interestingly, all the 42 candidates are women.
“We have been compelled to hold this hunger strike since the Government did not pay any heed to our request to extend the validity of the merit list. We would not call off the hunger strike till the Government extends the period,” Association general secretary P Lyngdoh Thabah told newsmen.
