Sonam Wangchuk: Why India still turns to the hunger strike

Activist Anna Hazare’s 13-day fast in 2011 gave fresh momentum to an anti-corruption campaign that briefly captured the national imagination. Irom Sharmila, protesting against the draconian Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in India’s north-east, refused food for 16 years, surviving only because authorities force-fed her through a nasal tube. Medha Patkar, a prominent social activist, […]

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Bangkok bar fire: Leader of Thai band Thotsakan mourns girlfriend killed in inferno

The deadly inferno has raised familiar questions about fire safety standards across Thailand, especially at entertainment venues. Thai authorities say they are investigating if negligence led to the fire, as survivors reported doors being locked and a lack of signage demarcating emergency exits. But some question if relevant government agencies should also be held accountable […]

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