'Bengal government stopping us from organizing convention,' allege junior doctors
The West Bengal Junior Doctors's Front (WBJDF) has accused the government headed by Mamata Banerjee of revoking permission for a convention scheduled on September 27. The meeting was intended to discuss the future direction of their movement, seeking justice for the RG Kar rape-murder victim. This accusation comes after an 11-day sit-in outside the state health department headquarters by protesting doctors who had partially resumed emergency and essential services at state-run hospitals following discussions with the government.
Doctors determined to continue agitation for justice
In a statement, they warned, "This will backfire as we will not stay away from the path of agitations for justice." They have announced plans to proceed with their convention at SSKM auditorium on September 27 at 4:00pm despite these challenges. The doctors claimed that senior government officials questioned their continued agitation, asking, "Why are you still continuing agitation when most of your demands have either been met or looked into?"
Doctors respond to government's alleged intimidation
The WBJDF labeled this as intimidation and stated, "Our apolitical movement for justice for our sister will not stop till we achieve our objectives." They clarified that they are not part of a call by some people to hit the streets on Mahalaya to offer 'tarpan' for the victim. The doctprs also alleged that false cases have been filed against those who have expressed solidarity with their movement and joined protests demanding a "clean-up" of the healthcare system.
Doctors allege false cases, vindictive attitude by government
Doctor Aniket Mahato stated, "The administration is apparently pursuing a vindictive attitude even after we showed intention and flexibility to end the deadlock." He further expressed concerns about the lack of progress in the investigation into their colleague's rape and murder case. The woman medic was allegedly raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9, prompting widespread outrage among doctors and civil society.
