UPDATE (INDIA): An appeal from Medha Patkar
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38th DAY OF THE HUNGER STRIKE
PLEASE VISIT THE JESUIT HOUSES IN YOUR COUNTRY!
Fr. Pallath¡¯s hunger strike has entered its 38th day today, with no tangible move by the Jesuit authorities to settle the issue. To the growing number of prominent citizens demanding that justice be done to Fr. Pallath, was added the voice of Medha Patkar, India’s most ardent voice for people’s power and justice. She was extremely concerned about the callousness with which the authorities treating the hunger strike.
\”I have undertaken long fasts. But this situation is alarming. The hunger strike should not be allowed to continue. A just solution must immediately be found.\” Medha remarked to the activists who were called to Cochin to get briefed about the issue.
For your action, we are sending you Medha Patkar¡¯s appeal on this matter.
Thank you.
Urgent Appeals Desk
Asian Human Rights Commission
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Hunger Strike by Fr. J.J. Pallath – An appeal
16/6/2002
It is indeed a cause of worry to every one concerned about justice and human rights that the hunger strike by Fr. J.J Pallath that has entered its 37th days is yet to evoke a reconciliatory chord in the hearts of the authorities concerned. As some one familiar with the trajectory of health deterioration while on indefinite fast, I must humbly warn every one that the threat to his life is real and urgent steps must be taken to address his just demands and end the hunger strike at the earliest.
The immutability and universality of human rights need no emphasis, especially in a rights conscious state like Kerala. I am also given to understand that Justice is among the highest principles to which the Jesuit Order professes to be committed absolutely. I join the several human rights activists and cultural leaders of Kerala who have demanded that the same justice concerns should dictate the Jesuit superiors response to the agonizingly prolonged hunger strike of Fr. J.J. Pallath, their colleague for over 35 years.
Medha Patkar
Cochin
