Late activist’s wife, mother hospitalised

Jaisalmer: The mother and wife of late environmental activist Radheshyam Pemani Bishnoi were hospitalised Sunday as their health deteriorated hours after breaking their fast, which began on Feb 3 in solidarity with the ‘Save Khejri' mass sit-in and hunger strike in Bikaner.Bishnoi's mother, Ratni Devi, was admitted to Priya Hospital in Jaisalmer, while his wife, Nirma Bishnoi, was discharged after primary treatment in Pokhran, doctors said.
Both women were abstaining from food and water in support of the Save Khejri movement. Following intervention by religious figures, they ended their fast Sunday, but their health worsened after they began eating again. From her hospital bed, Ratni Devi said, "We don't care about our lives. My son Radheshyam gave his life to the cause of saving environment and forests. We have just one demand: that the govt make strict laws to save khejri trees. Until concrete steps are taken for environmental protection, our struggle will continue." Dr Rajeshwari Dhandev at Priya Hospital said Ratni Devi's condition had worsened due to prolonged fasting. "Due to staying hungry for three consecutive days, she developed cramps and swelling in her intestines. Because of this, she is experiencing vomiting and extreme weakness. Currently, we are keeping her on glucose and a liquid diet, and her condition is being continuously monitored," she said. Late Radheshyam Bishnoi died in a road accident last year while attempting to protect wildlife from poachers.