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The empty stomach cries for food, likewise, the helpless and deprived fellows also cry in their destituteness. Here is a grieved story of a Tamang old age couple named as Hari Tamang 72 and his bereaved wife Saili Tamang 68.
During a visit in Rajabhat t.g. under Garopara Gram panchayat of Kalchini Block under the jurisdiction of Aliuprduar district (Dooars) an old man, aged about 72 years, old man later came to know as Hari Tamang, met me on a village road. In that meeting, Hari Tamang showing the photocopies of his own handwritten deputation and informed me that from November 9, 2016 he is going to observe a hunger strike till death, as he and his wife are starving, and all his please have fell on deaf ears of local gram panchayat members, as well as by his own nephew who lives in the same village.
In accordance with the document photocopies shown by Hari Tamang, he had handed over his permanent tea garden’s work to one of his orphan nephew (name not mentioned), for until the time he comes back. Mr. Tamang and his wife had then gone to north Kachhad district of Assam state to earn a living, and he was doing well.
But it was his misfortune; that the militant groups of the region in the year of 1995-2010 killed many non-tribes of the area, burnt houses and drove away the residents. In those days, he became homeless and helpless and spent many years as refugee in the camp.
At last, he recalled his nephew here in Rajabhat t.g. and wrote a letter of his condition in 2014. His nephew also called him and welcomed him at Rajabhat t.g.
As the time went by, Hari could not make out his own living, so he asked for help from the government like - old age pension, housing scheme or any helpful scheme through gram panchayat, which would enable him to live his old age in relative peace.
But in this matter, he was continually ignored by every single representatives of the village.
Tired of being destitute and homeless, he has now decided to go for a hunger strike till his death.
Moreover, he showed the condition of his better half Smt. Saili Tamang who is also mentally unwell, and stated with tearful eyes, that they have no one to help and cooperate, and are living on alms given by some villagers.
Old and with his spirit broken, Hari Tamang told me, "instead of dying starvation, I would rather go for relay hunger strike and choose my death."
Over here, reacting on the decision taken by Hari Tamang the Garopara gram panchayat pradhan said that it is a wrong decision by Hari, , and they have stated that the Panchayat will provide whatever helps they can legally provide.
On hearing the condition of the old couple, many social workers and politicians have showered sympathy, and have criticized the local representatives, but no one has yet come forward to help and assist them.
Hari and his beloved wife are suffering from the curse of civilized society and so called free and democratic India.
[News : Pradip Lama, Kalchini]
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