Sanchore on Edge: Massive Shutdown and Hunger Strike Shake Town as Battle to Preserve District Status Heats Up

Sanchore: Last August, former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot announced the creation of 19 new districts, including Sanchore. The announcement brought joy to the local community. However, in the recent assembly elections, the Gehlot government lost, and a new BJP-led government took over. A cabinet sub-committee, led by Deputy Chief Minister Prem Chand Berwa, was formed to review the status of these newly created districts. Concerns have arisen that some of these districts may face dissolution.

Due to deteriorating health, the hunger strike of former minister Sukhram Bishnoi and 19 others was called off by District Collector Shakti Singh Rathore.

The hunger strike, which had been ongoing for four days, was part of a protest to retain Sanchore as a district. Under the advice of doctors, the district collector ended the hunger strike by offering juice to the participants. Medical experts had warned that continuing the strike at this age posed significant health risks to the former minister, who was forced to end the strike as his condition worsened. However, the protest continues, demanding a clear statement from the government on the district’s future.

In response to the call by the "Sanchore District Preservation Committee," the entire town, along with surrounding areas, observed a complete shutdown. The administration remained on high alert, monitoring the protest site and preparing for potential blockades on the highway. Local markets, private hospitals, and schools remained closed, while students from government schools also held protest rallies outside their campuses.

The district collector, accompanied by other officials, met with the protesters to negotiate. Although the hunger strike ended, the protest is expected to continue until the government provides a clear response regarding the status of Sanchore as a district.

Additionally, parking arrangements for vehicles were set up near the protest site at the local high school playground, Lord Buddha College, and nearby markets. Water tankers, sponsored by local donors, were also stationed near the protest venue to ensure drinking water availability.