Despite her appeal, the doctors remain firm in their stance, refusing to return to work without further dialogue. (ANI)
New Delhi: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made an emotional appeal to junior doctors in Kolkata on Saturday, attempting to break the impasse surrounding the ongoing protests. Banerjee visited the protest site, where junior doctors have been demonstrating following the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Despite her appeal, the doctors remain firm in their stance, refusing to return to work without further dialogue.
The protests began after the horrific incident on August 9, where a trainee doctor was allegedly raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College. Junior doctors have since been demanding justice and protesting against the authorities’ handling of the case. Chief Minister Banerjee acknowledged the severity of the issue and expressed her understanding of their frustrations. "I have struggled in life, and I understand your pain. I assure you that those responsible will face justice," Banerjee said.
Despite her empathetic tone and promises to study their demands, the junior doctors remain unsatisfied. They have insisted on a meeting before they agree to resume work. Banerjee’s assurance that no action would be taken against the protestors also failed to convince them.
The junior doctors have several key demands, including the suspension of senior officials like Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal and Health Secretary NS Nigam. They also seek improved safety measures for female health professionals across the state. In defiance of a Supreme Court deadline, which directed them to resume work by September 10, the doctors have continued their protest outside the state Health Department headquarters, Swasthya Bhawan.
The protestors have further written to both the President and the Prime Minister, requesting their intervention in the matter. Despite repeated invitations from the state government to hold discussions, the doctors have remained adamant, insisting that their demand for a live telecast of the negotiations be met.
The deadlock between the protesting doctors and the West Bengal government has continued for five days, with both sides failing to reach a consensus. On Thursday, Banerjee expressed her frustration, stating, "I’ve tried multiple times to initiate talks, but certain individuals are instructing the doctors not to negotiate." Her remark referred to external influences on the protestors, which she believes are preventing productive dialogue.
In a surprising move, the Chief Minister offered to resign if it would help resolve the situation, stating, "I am ready to step down in the interest of the people." Despite this, the doctors made it clear that they had never asked for Banerjee’s resignation but rather wanted a solution to the RG Kar impasse. The protests and the deadlock persist, with no clear end in sight.
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