The hunger strike by Indian students in Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada, protesting changes in the province's immigration rules, has entered its second week. The students, who began their hunger strike on May 24, are demonstrating against a new policy that imposes a 25% cap on immigration, significantly reducing the number of immigrants granted permanent residency.
The health of the protesters is deteriorating rapidly. Many of them are on a dry hunger strike, abstaining from both food and fluids. This has led to several students fainting and experiencing severe health issues. Rupinder Pal Singh, a spokesperson for the group, revealed that some protesters had to abandon the full hunger strike due to their worsening condition. Singh himself has lost 15 pounds (7 kg) since the protests began.
The students have set up camps near the Coles Building on the grounds of the PEI Legislature in Charlottetown and are determined to continue their protest despite the physical toll it is taking on them. Jaspreet Singh Sivia, another spokesperson, described feeling dizzy and fainting but remains committed to the cause.
The protestors argue that the new immigration rules are unfair, especially for those already living and working in PEI. Many of these students have paid higher tuition and taxes and feel betrayed by the sudden policy change. The reduction in permanent residency nominations from 800 last year to just 200 this year disproportionately affects immigrants who have invested significantly in their education and careers in Canada.
Despite an initial visit from the Premier on May 16, the protesters have received no further communication from the provincial government. This lack of response has only fueled their determination to continue the hunger strike.
The protest has garnered support from local politicians. Charlottetown MP Sean Casey criticized the government for the abrupt policy change, calling it "manifestly unfair and callous." He emphasized that the workers were not given adequate notice to adjust to the new rules. Karla Bernard, interim leader of the PEI Green Party, expressed her concern about the situation, highlighting the mismanagement of the immigration file and the drastic measures the students felt compelled to take.
Paramedics have been present at the protest site to provide medical assistance, treating several protesters who have fainted. However, the students remain resolute in their demands for the provincial government to reconsider the immigration cap and address the issues arising from the sudden policy change.
