Rights activists have urged authorities to take the deteriorating health condition of Ruby Khan seriously and seek a solution through dialogue as her indefinite hunger strike entered its 21st day on Wednesday.

Khan, who has been staging the fast in Nepalgunj over various demands, is undergoing treatment at Saneevani Hospital. Doctors said her condition has become critical, and she is currently being administered intravenous fluids.

A team of human rights defenders visited the hospital on Tuesday to inquire about her health. They expressed concern over the lack of progress in addressing the issues she has raised through legal and institutional channels.

The delegation included senior advocate Sunil Shrestha, Informal Sector Service Centre Lumbini Province coordinator Bhola Mahat, president of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, Banke chapter, Nabin Giri, coordinator of Advocacy Forum, Lumbini Province; Basanta Gautam, and chairperson of the Information and Human Rights Research Centre, Bishwojit Tiwari.

The team also met the Chief District Officer, the police chief and officials of the National Human Rights Commission, urging them to find a lawful solution to the situation.

“We urge the authorities to respect citizens’ rights to life and health and address Ruby Khan’s demands through lawful means,” the rights activists said.

They also appealed to Khan to consider alternative and dialogue-oriented forms of protest while prioritising the protection of her health and life.

Police said investigations were underway into the nine incidents raised by Khan.

Meanwhile, a government team comprising Prime Minister’s adviser Deepa Dahal, Additional Inspector General of Police Sushil Singh Rathore and Home Ministry spokesperson Ananda Kafle arrived in Nepalgunj to hold talks with Khan.

Officials said discussions were moving in a positive direction and that negotiations were continuing to end the hunger strike and address her demands.

Representatives of the protesting side have insisted on a written agreement, while the government team said uncertainty remained over whether all demands could be fulfilled immediately.