Kochi, March 21 -- The Congress-led UDF on Thursday extended solidarity with the Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), who went on an indefinite hunger strike against the state government demanding better pay and retirement benefits.

The hunger strike by three ASHAs began at 11 am in Thiruvananthapuram a day after the talks with the officials of National Health Mission (NHM) and health minister Veena George failed to produce a desirable result. For over a month, a section of ASHAs have been protesting in the state demanding a hike in monthly honorarium from Rs.7,000 to Rs.21,000 and a retirement benefit of Rs.5 lakh once they exit from the profession.

On Thursday, UDF MLAs led by Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan staged a walkout ...