Thiruvananthapuram: The Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA), who have been on an indefinite protest for 36 days in front of the Secretariat, have announced a hunger strike starting Thursday, marking the third phase of their agitation. The hunger strike is in response to the government's failure to address their demands.

The ASHA workers began their blockade of the Secretariat on Monday, which will continue until 6 pm. They gathered in front of the gate by 9.30 am. The state government made heavy preparations to manage the situation, sealing off the Secretariat premises and implementing tight security at all gates. Additionally, traffic in the area has been diverted with barricades. Several other organisations have joined the blockade in solidarity.

The Health Department had scheduled a palliative training program for ASHA workers across various districts on Monday. However, the protesting workers allege that this program is a tactic to disrupt their protest and have demanded its postponement.

The National Health Mission (NHM) has withheld wages and benefits for protesting ASHA workers, denying pay for nine days before the protest began on February 10. Those who did not participate in the protest received their February wages. The protest has seen significant participation from women, including Anganwadi workers who are also protesting in front of the Secretariat.