JNU hunger strike enters tenth day, Kanhaiya withdraws

The indefinite hunger strike by JNU students entered the 10th day on Saturday even as students’ union president Kanhaiya Kumar withdrew his fast due to medical reasons.

So far, 6 students have withdrawn their fast against the punishment by the university in connection with the February 9 event during which “anti-national” slogans were raised, while 14 others are continuing with the hunger strike.

Kanhaiya, who is out on bail after his arrest in a sedition case, was on Friday discharged from AIIMS after treatment for mild dehydration and ketosis.

“Kanhaiya was back on campus last night and due to his health condition, doctors advised him to discontinue with the fast. He has been advised bed rest for few days and also has to undergo some medical tests. While he has withdrawn the fast, he will continue with the agitation,” a statement from the JNU Students Union said.

The health reports of other fasting students mentioned high ketone levels, low BP and weight loss. Meanwhile, JNU Teachers Association on Saturday called for a relay hunger strike in protest against the administration.