Several NIT Workers Union members have fallen ill during an indefinite hunger strike at the NIT Silchar campus in Assam’s Cachar district. The workers began the protest on August 27, demanding regularisation of their jobs. As the fast continued, several protesters reportedly developed serious health problems. A medical team reportedly visited the protest site following instructions from the District Commissioner.
However, protesting workers alleged that NIT authorities stopped medical personnel from administering saline to some critically ill protesters. Several workers later went to Silchar Medical College and Hospital for further treatment.
Read More: Hand Grenade Found at Imphal Hospital
Key Facts
- Location: NIT Silchar campus, Cachar district, Assam
- Protesting group: NIT Workers Union
- Protest began: August 27
- Main demand: Regularisation of workers’ jobs
- Health concern: Several fasting workers reportedly fell ill
- Medical response: Doctors and medical personnel visited the protest site
- Further treatment: Some workers were referred to Silchar Medical College and Hospital
- NIT response: No official response to the allegations was available so far
Workers Continue Indefinite Hunger Strike
The NIT Workers Union started an indefinite hunger strike on August 27 to press for job regularisation. The workers have continued their protest at the NIT Silchar campus despite growing health concerns.
However, prolonged fasting has reportedly affected the health of several participants. Some protesters became seriously ill as the hunger strike entered its later stages.
Following reports about their deteriorating health, a team of doctors and medical personnel reportedly reached the protest site. The team examined the fasting workers and began providing medical assistance.
Workers Allege Medical Treatment Was Blocked
The protesters have made serious allegations against the NIT authorities. According to the fasting workers, medical personnel attempted to provide saline treatment to some protesters whose health had deteriorated significantly.
However, the workers alleged that NIT authorities intervened and prevented doctors from administering the saline drips. The allegation reportedly created tension at the protest location.
The workers expressed concern about the health of those continuing the hunger strike. They also questioned the alleged obstruction of medical treatment when some participants required urgent medical attention.
Some Protesters Referred to Hospital
As the health condition of several fasting workers worsened, some reportedly required treatment outside the campus. Authorities referred several workers in serious condition to Silchar Medical College and Hospital.
Meanwhile, the administration continues to monitor the situation. The immediate focus remains on the health of the protesters and efforts to prevent further medical complications.
The NIT Workers Union has continued to raise concerns about the alleged denial of saline treatment. However, NIT authorities had not issued a response to the allegations at the time of reporting.
What Are the Workers Demanding?
The NIT Workers Union is demanding regularisation of their jobs.
When Did the Hunger Strike Begin?
The workers began their indefinite hunger strike on August 27.
Why Are There Health Concerns?
Several workers have reportedly continued fasting for days, causing their health conditions to deteriorate.
Were Doctors Sent to the Protest Site?
Yes. A medical team reportedly visited the protest site following instructions from the District Commissioner and examined the fasting workers.
What Happened to Seriously Ill Workers?
Several workers reportedly received referrals to Silchar Medical College and Hospital for further treatment.
Has NIT Silchar Responded?
No response from NIT authorities regarding the allegations of obstructing medical treatment had been received at the time of reporting.
Location Context
NIT Silchar is a major technical education institution in Assam’s Barak Valley. Therefore, a prolonged workers’ protest on its campus has drawn attention because of its potential impact on campus operations and the wellbeing of the workers involved.