Villagers launch hunger strike

Bhimavaram: The villagers of Cheregudem and Upparagudem in Palakoderu mandal in West Godavari district launched an indefinite relay hunger strike in the village demanding that the government solve their problems.

The villagers of Cheregudem and nearby village Upparagudem are facing severe hardships due to lack of basic amenities like roads, drinking water and electricity.

The CPM Delta committee extended support to the agitation of the villagers. CPM District Secretariat member JNV Gopalan, Mandal Committee secretary B Anjaneyulu, leaders Chebolu Satyanarayana visited the village and extended their solidarity with the agitating villagers. They said that the villagers of Cheregudem and Upparagudem are facing severe problems with no connectivity to other areas.  

The Andhra Pradesh Dalita Mahasabha president Chintapalli Guru Prasad and others also reached the village and supported the agitation of the villagers. They also participated in the agitation.

Meanwhile, Bhimavaram rural Circle Inspector Nagaraju reached Cheregudem village and discussed with the villagers. He told the villagers that he will bring the issue to the notice of Undi MLA Vetukuri Venkata Sivarama Raju and asked them to withdraw their agitation. 

However, the villagers rejected his suggestion and told that several times they met the MLA and district officials and no action initiated to solve the problems of these two villages. 

The CI asked them yet again to withdraw stir, but they said if the district officials pay a visit to the village and give an assurance for redressal of grievances, then they would withdraw stir.