Kolkata: The hunger strike by teachers of unrecognized madrassas from West Bengal, pressing for better pay and state aid, was called off on Monday after the state government accepted most of their demands, a representative of the teachers said.

The strike was on its 40th day on Monday and was withdrawn at 4 p.m.

"The state government has agreed to most of our demands, including the inclusion of 495 madrassas under the state Madrassa Education Board. We will meet with the representatives of the state government on November 16 to discuss how the demands will be implemented," the representative told IANS.

He said a circular will be issued soon after the meeting.

A group of teachers affiliated to the West Bengal MSK Staff Welfare Association were on a relay hunger strike near Hazi Mohammad Mohsin Square in central Kolkata pressing for affiliation to the Madrassa Education Board.

The madrassas seeking recognition are Madrassa Shiksha Kendras (MSKs), Shishu Shiksha Kendras (SSKs) and Madhyamik Shiksha Kendras.

(IANS)