The six-day-long hunger strike at Dhalpur ground in Kullu district headquarters ended on Saturday following talks with health minister Dhaniram Shandil.
The minister first spoke to the youths sitting on hunger strike through a video call and assured them that all their demands would be fulfilled within 15 days. He also assured them that further action would be taken on the investigation into the death of Manju Sharma, with the aim of ensuring a fair probe and justice for her family.
Manju, 23, died during childbirth on June 21 at the Regional Hospital in Dhalpur, Kullu district. Following her death, protests were launched alleging negligence by doctors and other staff.
On Saturday afternoon, sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Gunjit Singh Cheema reached the protest site at Dhalpur ground and facilitated a phone conversation between the protesters and the health minister.
Following the talks, the SDM offered juice to the youths sitting on hunger strike, formally bringing the protest to an end.
Social worker Baldev Thakur, who was among those observing the indefinite hunger strike, said that they had launched the protest over issues concerning the general public and that the agitation had been successful.
He claimed that the health minister had personally spoken to them and assured them that all the demands raised would be resolved within 15 days. He thanked the people from Kullu and other areas who had extended support and participated in the movement in large numbers.
Satish Sharma, husband of deceased Manju Sharma, claimed that the health minister had spoken to him over the phone and assured him that the investigation would be completed within 15 days.
{{/usCountry}}Satish Sharma, husband of deceased Manju Sharma, claimed that the health minister had spoken to him over the phone and assured him that the investigation would be completed within 15 days.
{{/usCountry}}He said they had also demanded that vacant posts of doctors as well as other staff be filled in all health institutions across Himachal Pradesh.