How are the hunger-strikers able to give speeches even after 30 days of their fast?
It is the sheer moral strength and firm resolve to fight for the rights of the displaced with their lives that makes it possible for the two senior Narmada Bachao Andolan activists – Ms Chittaroopa Palit and Shri Bhagwan Mukati – to address the 6000 strong gathering of displaced people at the dharna site. The government doctors examining them medically are well aware of the situation. The tests carried out by them on the faster’s have urine samples have shown existence of acetones – a clear biological proof of the body protein reserves being broken down in the lack of any external source of nutrition. Copies of reports from the government doctors have also been supplied to the media. At the end of the 30 days of the fast (today being the 31st day) Ms Palit has lost 9 kgs of weight and Shri Mukati lost 15 kgs. Ms Palit is also vomiting many times since the past few days, causing further loss of body fluids.
