The protesters are demanding an immediate halt to the cutting of khejri trees in western Rajasthan. Pics/PTI
Participants from Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Jaisalmer, Phalodi, Barmer, and Jodhpur joined the protest, raising concerns over the ecological impact of felling the state tree for solar power projects
Independent MLA Ravindra Singh Bhati urged youth to unite and warned of a Jaipur gherao if the trees are not protected while Karni Sena leader Mahipal Singh Makrana alleged that people linked to those in power were stakeholders in solar companies
Mokam Peethadhishwar Ramanand Acharya said the agitation would continue until a strict law for khejri conservation is enacted during the ongoing Budget session, warning that an indefinite hunger strike would be launched if the government failed to give assurances
Members of the Bishnoi community began an indefinite hunger strike, with medical staff monitoring participants to ensure their safety as they demanded legislative action to protect the trees
Markets in Bikaner remained closed in solidarity with the protest, as activists and community members maintained their hunger strike near a Bishnoi Dharamshala, calling for a complete ban on the cutting of khejri trees
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