Friday, 20 September 2024
Friday, 20 September 2024
Protest continues outside Swasthya Bhawan
The protesting junior doctors sat in front of Swasthya Bhawan, the health department headquarters, in Bidhannagar aka Salt Lake all night, demanding justice for the rape and murder of their colleague at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9 and a total clean-up of the state’s health administration. Despite the state government's efforts to reach a resolution, the doctors have vowed to continue their protest until their demands are met. On Wednesday, BJP leader Agnimitra Paul was greeted with chants of “go back” when she arrived at the scene of protest. She later claimed she was going to visit the BJP office nearby.
Support for the protesters
As the junior doctors continue their protest outside Swasthya Bhawan, they have received significant support from the local community. Residents and nearby shopkeepers have been providing food and other essentials to the doctors, who have been protesting non-stop since Tuesday morning.
Community solidarity
Throughout the night, the protesting junior doctors have been supported by citizens who have joined them in solidarity. Apart from locals, people from faraway localities have also come forward to support the cause.
“As there are above 600 doctors we broke down the work into few women from Lake Town,” Ankit Bhattacharya, an ad agency owner from Lake Town, told The Telegraph Online. “They in groups made ghar ka khana (home-made food) for protesting doctors. At the end of the day these are just 24-25 year old young individuals who would lead the next generation. Whether one supports the protest or not, this we did as a sign of humanity”
Few people from distant localities and even cities who could not come to join protests sent food and snacks for the protesting doctors.
Junior doctors defy Supreme Court order
In defiance of the Supreme Court's order to resume work by Tuesday evening, the junior doctors have chosen to continue their protest. The apex court had warned that their continued absence from duty could lead to action. However, the protesting doctors have stuck to their guns that they will not return to work until justice is served and their demands are addressed.
Demand for larger delegation in talks
The junior doctors said they are open to discussions with the state government but insist on a delegation of 25 to 35 members, rather than the 10-member delegation proposed by the government. They believe a larger delegation is necessary to ensure that all voices are heard during the talks. The doctors are willing to meet at any location, including Nabanna, the state secretariat, but are awaiting an official invitation through proper channels.
Rejection of meeting invitation
Chief minister Mamata Banerjee had invited the protesting doctors for a meeting at the secretariat on Tuesday late evening. The doctors rejected the invitation, stating that the letter came from the state health secretary whose resignation they are demanding. They found this approach "insulting" and have insisted on a more formal and respectful invitation process.
Pocso courts expansion announced
The West Bengal cabinet on Tuesday approved the establishment of five additional Pocso (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) courts. This brings the total number of such courts in the state to 67. The move is a step towards faster justice delivery in cases of child sexual abuse.
