LPST rank holder Valarmathi resumes protest in Thiruvananthapuram
The protest leader returned to her hunger strike after being taken to hospital by police on Saturday.
Valarmathi, who leads the LPST rank holders' protest committee and serves as Action Council secretary, returned to her agitation outside the Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday. She resumed her indefinite hunger strike after being taken to a hospital by police on Saturday following a medical examination.
According to the Hindustan Times, Valarmathi had tonsured her head on October 26 before starting the fast. The rank holders have been protesting in front of the Secretariat for 117 days, demanding appointments from the Kerala Public Service Commission rank list for Lower Primary School Teacher posts before it expires.
Valarmathi alleged that police used force to remove her from the site, claiming she was dragged by her hands and legs. She also alleged that her health was not properly assessed before being taken away and that her mobile phone was taken at the hospital.
The protesters are seeking appointment orders for all eligible candidates on the LPST rank list, the transfer of aided-school teaching appointments to the PSC, an end to alleged cash-for-job practices, and a 1:25 teacher-student ratio.
Valarmathi accused Education Minister N Samsudheen of misleading the Assembly by claiming four of their five demands had been met. She stated the agitation would continue until the government issues official orders addressing their requirements.