LPST Rank Holders Stage Symbolic Cremation Pyre Protest as Agitation Enters 36th Day

Thiruvananthapuram: The LPST Rank Holders Association intensified its protest on Monday after the government failed to hold discussions even as their agitation entered its 36th day.

The candidates staged a symbolic protest by setting up a funeral pyre in front of the Secretariat under the slogan, “We want justice, we want appointments.” Protest leaders said the agitation would be intensified further, accusing the government of betraying its pre-election assurance to resolve their grievances immediately after coming to power.

Valarmathi, secretary of the rank holders' protest committee, has been on an indefinite hunger strike for the past 12 days. The protesters said her health condition had deteriorated but the government had still not agreed to hold talks.

They alleged that Chief Minister, while serving as the Opposition Leader, had assured LPST rank-list candidates that their demands would be addressed as the first priority after the government assumed office. According to the protesters, the government changed its position after coming to power.

The candidates have been organising a series of protests in front of the Secretariat demanding appointments from the LPST rank list. Earlier, they had staged another unusual protest by eating grass outside the Secretariat to highlight their frustration over the government's refusal to engage with them.

The association said it would continue its agitation until the government agrees to discuss their demands and takes steps to ensure appointments.