The protest by junior doctors in Kolkata over the rape and murder of a trainee doctor has escalated. Since September 10, the doctors have been on strike and are demanding a live-streamed meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Although Mamata Banerjee has rejected the demand for live streaming, she has assured that the discussions will be recorded.
Mamata’s Appeal: ‘I am Your Sister, End the Strike’
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has urged the doctors to end their strike, stating, “My position is not important; the people’s position is. I am not the Chief Minister, but your sister, meeting you.” She has assured that strict punishment will be meted out to the culprits and promised no action against the protesting doctors. Mamata said, “I am ready for a CBI investigation and will ensure that the culprits are sentenced to death.”
Doctors’ Demands and Conditions
The striking doctors have outlined five key demands and four conditions, including severe punishment for those involved in the crime and improvements in the healthcare system. They have insisted on live broadcasting of meetings, claiming that the government has not given a clear response to their demands.
Failed Attempts at Negotiation
Mamata Banerjee has attempted to negotiate with the doctors three times. On September 10, she invited them for a meeting, but the doctors did not attend. Subsequent meetings on September 11 and 12 also failed as the doctors rejected the government’s proposals.
Supreme Court Order and Doctors’ Stance
On September 9, the Supreme Court ordered the doctors to end their strike by September 10 during the hearing of the Kolkata rape-murder case. The court warned of strict action but the doctors decided to continue their strike until their demands are met.
Letters to PM and President
The junior doctors have written letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu, seeking their intervention. They expressed that such intervention would provide a path out of the darkness and ensure justice for the victim. They have named the Kolkata trainee doctor ‘Abhaya’ and continue their quest for justice.
Doctors’ Ongoing Struggle
The doctors have opened an “Abhaya Clinic” outside the health building to provide medical care. Despite adverse weather conditions, they continue their protest, stating they will not back down until justice is served.