Ironic, isn't it? When these guys were Maoists, they wouldn't let others eat (for evidence: refer to many heart-wrenching pictures of poor Nepali farmers having no option but to throw their produce -- vegetables, grains and milk -- on the highways because of various Maoist-led Nepal bandhs!). Now that they are no longer Maoists, these guys insist on starving themselves. OK, that irony aside, I do support these people's right to protest against the government for not fulfilling its publicly expressed promises. Still, it's is worth noting that a Maoist regime would never even report, much less permit, this kind of a hunger strike. oohi ashu ************* Former Maoists begin hunger strike KOL Report KATHMANDU, Jan 30 - The former Maoists sheltered at the Dhakaltar Rehabilitation Center in Tanahun district have begun fast-unto-death alleging that the government has been depriving them of basic rights. Some 49 ex-Maoists including eight women have joined the strike that began Saturday morning. Social independence and guarantee of job inside the country or foreign employment are some of their demands put forward to the government. The strike will continue until the government gives a written commitment to fulfilling out demands, says Tekraj Paneru, former President of Maoist aligned student union- ANNISU-R Dadeldhura unit. Currently, the center has been sheltering 63 former Maoists who surrendered before the government in response to it offer of amnesty. (snn)