<p><strong>Kolkata rape-murder case:</strong> Junior doctors on Thursday alleged ‘external pressure’ as fans and&nbsp;tents were removed from their protest site</p>

<p>As the protest in front of Swasthya Bhawan, the West Bengal health department’s headquarters&nbsp;in Kolkata, intensified,&nbsp;junior doctors alleged that "external pressure" forced the decorators to remove tens, fans, and bamboo sticks from their protest site.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Effort to 'demoralise' protesters&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The protesters alleged that it was a move to "demoralise" them and weaken their morale.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It could be an effort to demoralise us,” said a junior doctor, “but we would like to clearly say that for a protest, we don’t need all this. We can protest from anywhere and in any possible way.”</p>

<p>The protest outside Swasthya Bhawan began on September 10. After meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the doctors expressed "partial" satisfaction with the outcome and requested further discussions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-cbi-has-revealed-is-disturbing-indian-sc-tears-into-west-bengal-government-on-rg-kar-probe-759643"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;'What CBI has revealed is disturbing...': Indian SC tears into West Bengal government on RG Kar probe</strong></a></p>

<p>The protest was triggered after a junior female doctor was brutally raped and murdered last month in Kolkata's RG Kar Medical Hospital and College.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The junior doctors announced their decision to continue the protest and cease work after a six-hour meeting with government officials on Wednesday night.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Debashish Haldar, a prominent figure in the protest, said, “While we appreciate the government’s verbal commitments, we remain hopeful for a written directive that formally acknowledges our demands. Until then, we will maintain our current course of action.”</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Kolkata rape-murder case: Second round of talks inconclusive</strong></p>

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<p>The Chief Secretary requested the West Bengal Junior Doctors Front (WBJDF) to submit the particulars of four to five junior doctors as representatives in the proposed Special Task Force for further discussions. He further reiterated the government’s appeal for the doctors to immediately resume work.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Kolkata rape-murder case: Junior doctors on Thursday alleged ‘external pressure’ as fans and tents were removed from their protest site As the protest in front of Swasthya Bhawan, the West Bengal health department’s headquarters in Kolkata, intensified, junior doctors alleged that "external pressure" forced the decorators to remove tens, fans, and bamboo sticks from their protest site.

Kolkata rape-murder case: Junior doctors on Thursday alleged ‘external pressure’ as fans and tents were removed from their protest site As the protest in front of Swasthya Bhawan, the West Bengal health department’s headquarters in Kolkata, intensified, junior doctors alleged that "external pressure" forced the decorators to remove tens, fans, and bamboo sticks from their protest site. Effort to 'demoralise' protesters The protesters alleged that it was a move to "demoralise" them and weaken their morale. “It could be an effort to demoralise us,” said a junior doctor, “but we would like to clearly say that for a protest, we don’t need all this. We can protest from anywhere and in any possible way.” The protest outside Swasthya Bhawan began on September 10. After meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the doctors expressed "partial" satisfaction with the outcome and requested further discussions. Also read: 'What CBI has revealed is disturbing...': Indian SC tears into West Bengal government on RG Kar probe The protest was triggered after a junior female doctor was brutally raped and murdered last month in Kolkata's RG Kar Medical Hospital and College. The junior doctors announced their decision to continue the protest and cease work after a six-hour meeting with government officials on Wednesday night. Debashish Haldar, a prominent figure in the protest, said, “While we appreciate the government’s verbal commitments, we remain hopeful for a written directive that formally acknowledges our demands. Until then, we will maintain our current course of action.” Watch | Kolkata rape-murder case: Second round of talks inconclusive × The Chief Secretary requested the West Bengal Junior Doctors Front (WBJDF) to submit the particulars of four to five junior doctors as representatives in the proposed Special Task Force for further discussions. He further reiterated the government’s appeal for the doctors to immediately resume work. (With inputs from agencies)

Kolkata: Protesting junior doctors allege 'external pressure' after tents, fans removed from stir site

<p>Less than a month after a trainee doctor was brutally raped and murdered at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, protests in India's eastern state, West Bengal have escalated, demanding justice.</p>

<p>On Wednesday (September 04), Kolkata residents turned off their lights between 9:00 and 10:00 pm in a symbolic act of disappointment over the lack of progress in the investigation. The&nbsp;Victoria Memorial Hall, along with the city’s homes and streets, remained in darkness without electricity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even the lights at West Bengal’s Raj Bhawan were switched off. Governor CV Ananda Bose participated in the demonstration by lighting a candle at Raj Bhavan. He said, “When light is fear, darkness is dear.”</p>

<p>Aside from being a part of the demonstration, Bose also asked West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee to take immediate steps to restore law and order in the state.</p>

<p>“Governor directs the CM to take convincing steps to assuage the sentiments of the people of Bengal who are agitated over the RG Kar Hospital horror and maintain law and order in the state offering protection and security to the women. Enough is enough,” an official statement from the Raj Bhavan read.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankars-ramayana-doctrine-five-point-guide-for-indias-global-leadership-ambition-755915">Jaishankar’s Ramayana doctrine: 5-point guide for global leadership ambition</a></strong></p>

<p>As part of the "Reclaim the Night" campaign, thousands of women marched at midnight, calling for justice for the 31-year-old doctor. The movement, fuelled largely by social media, continued to gain strength, marking the second such protest following a similar midnight rally on August 14.</p>

<p>Hundreds of junior doctors took part in a candlelight march near Lalbazaar, where the Kolkata Police headquarters is located, raising slogans and calling for justice for the victim.</p>

<p>People also gathered at several locations, including New Town’s Biswa Bangla Gate, Shyambazar, Sinthir More, Sodpur Traffic More, Hazra More, Jadavpur 8B bus stand, Lake Gardens, and Behala Sakher Bazar, all demanding justice.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Less than a month after a trainee doctor was brutally raped and murdered at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, protests in India's eastern state, West Bengal have escalated, demanding justice.

Less than a month after a trainee doctor was brutally raped and murdered at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, protests in India's eastern state, West Bengal have escalated, demanding justice. On Wednesday (September 04), Kolkata residents turned off their lights between 9:00 and 10:00 pm in a symbolic act of disappointment over the lack of progress in the investigation. The Victoria Memorial Hall, along with the city’s homes and streets, remained in darkness without electricity. Even the lights at West Bengal’s Raj Bhawan were switched off. Governor CV Ananda Bose participated in the demonstration by lighting a candle at Raj Bhavan. He said, “When light is fear, darkness is dear.” Aside from being a part of the demonstration, Bose also asked West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee to take immediate steps to restore law and order in the state. “Governor directs the CM to take convincing steps to assuage the sentiments of the people of Bengal who are agitated over the RG Kar Hospital horror and maintain law and order in the state offering protection and security to the women. Enough is enough,” an official statement from the Raj Bhavan read. Also read: Jaishankar’s Ramayana doctrine: 5-point guide for global leadership ambition As part of the "Reclaim the Night" campaign, thousands of women marched at midnight, calling for justice for the 31-year-old doctor. The movement, fuelled largely by social media, continued to gain strength, marking the second such protest following a similar midnight rally on August 14. Hundreds of junior doctors took part in a candlelight march near Lalbazaar, where the Kolkata Police headquarters is located, raising slogans and calling for justice for the victim. People also gathered at several locations, including New Town’s Biswa Bangla Gate, Shyambazar, Sinthir More, Sodpur Traffic More, Hazra More, Jadavpur 8B bus stand, Lake Gardens, and Behala Sakher Bazar, all demanding justice. (With inputs from agencies)

Kolkata horror: Victoria Memorial, Raj Bhawan go dark as 'Reclaim the Night' protests rage in Bengal

<p>The central government has hit back at Mamata Banerjee after the West Bengal chief minister wrote a second letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting stringent central legislation, in connection to the Kolkata horror rape-murder of a doctor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Mamata attempted to shift the blame, the&nbsp;central government did not have any of it and said her administration had not done enough to implement the same in “letter and spirit” in the state. It also added that Mamta's letter and its contents were 'factually incorrect'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In spite of the pendency of 48,600 rape and POCSO cases in West Bengal, the State has not operationalised additional 11 FTSCs which may be exclusive POCSO courts or combined FTSCs dealing with both rape and POCSO cases, as per the state's requirement," said Annapurna Devi, Union minister for women and child development, in the letter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“As may be seen, the information contained in your letter in this regard is factually incorrect and appears to be a step in the direction to cover up the delays in operationalising the FTSCs by the state,” the letter added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">महिलाओं को सशक्त बनाना और उन्हें सुरक्षित वातावरण प्रदान करना भारत सरकार की सर्वोच्च प्राथमिकता है। सरकार महिला सुरक्षा के प्रति पूर्णतः समर्पित है और इसे अपनी प्रमुख जिम्मेदारी मानती है। (1/2) ...<a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/MamataOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MamataOfficial</a> <a href="https://t.co/zKNa1AzNyN">pic.twitter.com/zKNa1AzNyN</a></p>
— Annapurna Devi (@Annapurna4BJP) <a href="https://twitter.com/Annapurna4BJP/status/1829584491737928151?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The union minister added that the enactments by the centre were comprehensive and stringent enough to tackle the violence and crimes against women.</p>

<p>"If the state government follows the central legislations in letter and spirit, it will certainly have a lasting impact on strengthening the criminal justice system, bringing the perpetrators of such crimes to face the consequences commensurate with the offence and also in ensuring justice to the victims or survivors," the union minister said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kolkata-protests-president-murmus-strong-stand-over-kolkata-doctors-rape-murder-wion-originals-754102" target="_blank"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Kolkata Protests: President Murmu's strong stand over Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder | WION Originals</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kolkata-protests-president-murmus-strong-stand-over-kolkata-doctors-rape-murder-wion-originals-754102/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>What did Mamata say in the letter?</strong></h2>

<p>In a copy of the letter posted on X (formerly Twitter), Mamata accused the centre for not taking her concerns seriously.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"No reply was received from your end on such a sensitive issue," she wrote.</p>

<p>The Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader said the reply by Devi barely attended the "gravity of the issue" raised in her letter.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-doctor-rape-murder-case-mother-of-victim-slams-mamata-banerjee-for-threatening-protesting-doctors-754509"><strong>Also read | Kolkata rape-murder case: Mother of victim slams Mamata Banerjee for 'threatening' protesting doctors</strong></a></p>

<p>"I am of the thought that the seriousness of the subject and its relevance to the society have not been adequately appreciated while sending out this generic reply," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She had written the first letter to the PM last week with a request to create a tough central law to punish rapists. Additionally, she called for the establishment of fast-track special courts to ensure speedy trials.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The central government has hit back at Mamata Banerjee after the West Bengal chief minister wrote a second letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting stringent central legislation, in connection to the Kolkata horror rape-murder of a doctor.

The central government has hit back at Mamata Banerjee after the West Bengal chief minister wrote a second letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting stringent central legislation, in connection to the Kolkata horror rape-murder of a doctor. While Mamata attempted to shift the blame, the central government did not have any of it and said her administration had not done enough to implement the same in “letter and spirit” in the state. It also added that Mamta's letter and its contents were 'factually incorrect'. "In spite of the pendency of 48,600 rape and POCSO cases in West Bengal, the State has not operationalised additional 11 FTSCs which may be exclusive POCSO courts or combined FTSCs dealing with both rape and POCSO cases, as per the state's requirement," said Annapurna Devi, Union minister for women and child development, in the letter. “As may be seen, the information contained in your letter in this regard is factually incorrect and appears to be a step in the direction to cover up the delays in operationalising the FTSCs by the state,” the letter added. महिलाओं को सशक्त बनाना और उन्हें सुरक्षित वातावरण प्रदान करना भारत सरकार की सर्वोच्च प्राथमिकता है। सरकार महिला सुरक्षा के प्रति पूर्णतः समर्पित है और इसे अपनी प्रमुख जिम्मेदारी मानती है। (1/2) ...@narendramodi | @MamataOfficial pic.twitter.com/zKNa1AzNyN — Annapurna Devi (@Annapurna4BJP) August 30, 2024 × The union minister added that the enactments by the centre were comprehensive and stringent enough to tackle the violence and crimes against women. "If the state government follows the central legislations in letter and spirit, it will certainly have a lasting impact on strengthening the criminal justice system, bringing the perpetrators of such crimes to face the consequences commensurate with the offence and also in ensuring justice to the victims or survivors," the union minister said. Watch | Kolkata Protests: President Murmu's strong stand over Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder | WION Originals What did Mamata say in the letter? In a copy of the letter posted on X (formerly Twitter), Mamata accused the centre for not taking her concerns seriously. "No reply was received from your end on such a sensitive issue," she wrote. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader said the reply by Devi barely attended the "gravity of the issue" raised in her letter. Also read | Kolkata rape-murder case: Mother of victim slams Mamata Banerjee for 'threatening' protesting doctors "I am of the thought that the seriousness of the subject and its relevance to the society have not been adequately appreciated while sending out this generic reply," she added. She had written the first letter to the PM last week with a request to create a tough central law to punish rapists. Additionally, she called for the establishment of fast-track special courts to ensure speedy trials. (With inputs from agencies)

'Factually incorrect': Centre schools Mamata Banerjee on 2nd letter to PM on Kolkata rape

<p>Bengali actors took to the streets to protest against the horrific rape and murder incident that took place in Kolkata on August 9. A&nbsp;31-year-old woman was victim to brutality on the campus of her own hospital - RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since the news came to light, the whole&nbsp;country has been mourning the loss and is furious over the grave nature of the sexual assault on the&nbsp;trainee doctor<br />
<br />
Demanding justice for the girl actors like Trina Saha, Rwitobroto Mukherjee, Subhashree Ganguly, and Parno Mittra, among others have also joined the protest.</p>

<h2><strong>Bengali actors join protest against the heinous crime</strong></h2>

<p>Taking to Instagram, Mimi shared several videos and a picture from the protest. She wrote, “Justice delayed is justice denied. Today my city of joy cried in its every corner as we failed as humans, every lane roared for Justice. And I would like to repeat my tweet again 'Punishment should be such that next time even thinking of a henious crime like this gives you shiver down the spine…NO MERCY PLEA'.”</p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C-qm8NXzrlI/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Mimi chakraborty (@mimichakraborty)</a></p>
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<p>Riddhi Sen wrote, "Do not go gentle in that goodnight. rage, rage against the dying of the light." Subhashree, Madhumita and Parno also posted clips from the protest sites on their Instagram Stories. Trina shared a video as people shouted, "We want justice." She wrote, "We Demand Severe Punishment IMMEDIATELY." Rwitobroto posted a video of the people singing and penned a long note in Bengali.</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/kolkata-doctor-rape-murder-case-youtuber-dhruv-rathee-reveals-name-of-victim-lands-in-trouble-750333">Kolkata doctor rape-murder case: Youtuber Dhruv Rathee reveals name of victim, lands in trouble</a></p>

<p>Trina Saha Bhattacharya wrote: "We demand severe punishment immediately."</p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-qVuvuttvw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Trina Saha Bhattacharya (@trinasaha21)</a></p>
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<h2><strong>Horrific rape-murder of the Indian doctor has sparked nationwide protests</strong></h2>

<p>On August 9, a postgraduate trainee doctor was raped and murdered at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata while on duty. She was found dead in the seminar hall of the Kolkata hospital in the morning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A civic volunteer has been arrested in connection with the crime. The case is currently with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for further investigation as new developments have emerged.</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-rape-murder-150mg-of-semen-found-in-girls-body-parents-suspect-gangrape-750164">Kolkata rape-murder: 150mg of semen found in girl’s body, parents suspect gangrape</a></p>

<p>Hindi film actors like Alia Bhatt, Parineeti Chopra, and Ayushmann Khurrana also expressed their shock over the rape and murder of the doctor.&nbsp;</p>


Bengali actors took to the streets to protest against the horrific rape and murder incident that took place in Kolkata on August 9. A 31-year-old woman was victim to brutality on the campus of her own hospital - RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

Bengali actors took to the streets to protest against the horrific rape and murder incident that took place in Kolkata on August 9. A 31-year-old woman was victim to brutality on the campus of her own hospital - RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Since the news came to light, the whole country has been mourning the loss and is furious over the grave nature of the sexual assault on the trainee doctor Demanding justice for the girl actors like Trina Saha, Rwitobroto Mukherjee, Subhashree Ganguly, and Parno Mittra, among others have also joined the protest. Bengali actors join protest against the heinous crime Taking to Instagram, Mimi shared several videos and a picture from the protest. She wrote, “Justice delayed is justice denied. Today my city of joy cried in its every corner as we failed as humans, every lane roared for Justice. And I would like to repeat my tweet again 'Punishment should be such that next time even thinking of a henious crime like this gives you shiver down the spine…NO MERCY PLEA'.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mimi chakraborty (@mimichakraborty) × Riddhi Sen wrote, "Do not go gentle in that goodnight. rage, rage against the dying of the light." Subhashree, Madhumita and Parno also posted clips from the protest sites on their Instagram Stories. Trina shared a video as people shouted, "We want justice." She wrote, "We Demand Severe Punishment IMMEDIATELY." Rwitobroto posted a video of the people singing and penned a long note in Bengali. Also read: Kolkata doctor rape-murder case: Youtuber Dhruv Rathee reveals name of victim, lands in trouble Trina Saha Bhattacharya wrote: "We demand severe punishment immediately." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Trina Saha Bhattacharya (@trinasaha21) × Horrific rape-murder of the Indian doctor has sparked nationwide protests On August 9, a postgraduate trainee doctor was raped and murdered at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata while on duty. She was found dead in the seminar hall of the Kolkata hospital in the morning. A civic volunteer has been arrested in connection with the crime. The case is currently with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for further investigation as new developments have emerged. Also read: Kolkata rape-murder: 150mg of semen found in girl’s body, parents suspect gangrape Hindi film actors like Alia Bhatt, Parineeti Chopra, and Ayushmann Khurrana also expressed their shock over the rape and murder of the doctor.

Kolkata rape-murder case: Bengali actors Mimi Chakraborty, Riddhi Sen join protests

<p>Indian Medical Association will stage a 24-hour-long nationwide protest on Monday</p>

<p>This comes at a time when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/warangal-surgeon-recounts-ordeal-of-harrasment-as-doctors-demand-security-accross-the-nation-227513">doctors from various institutions across the country have been demanding security</a> following the incident where two doctors were attacked over alleged negligence at a hospital in Kolkata.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the report, all non-essential services including Outpatient Departments (OPDs) will be closed starting from 6 am tomorrow.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-medical-association-declares-all-india-protest-for-the-state-branches-227125">IMA will also stage a sit-in</a> at its headquarters in Delhi starting 10 am.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Indian Medical Association (IMA) to hold a 24-hour-long nationwide protest tomorrow; all Non-Essential Services including OPDs will be closed starting from 6 am. IMA will also stage a 'dharna' at IMA headquarters in Delhi starting 10 am tomorrow.</p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1140194753578819585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>The impasse at the state-run medical colleges and hospitals in West Bengal entered the sixth day on Sunday, even as the agitating doctors asserted that they were open to talks with the government.</p>

<p>Earlier, the agitators had insisted that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visit the city's NRS Medical College and Hospital, the epicentre of the agitation.</p>

<p>After an internal meeting late on Saturday, the doctors, who had turned down an invite for a closed-door meeting with Banerjee at the state secretariat, mellowed down and stated that they were ready to hold a dialogue in any form, but the venue of the meeting would be decided later.</p>

<p>During a press conference at the state secretariat on Saturday, Banerjee urged the agitators to resume work and said her government had accepted all of their demands.</p>

<p>She also stressed that a group of doctors had met her and expressed their willingness to join duty, a claim vehemently refuted by the striking doctors.</p>

<p>The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued an advisory, seeking a report on the ongoing stir and stating that it had received a number of representations from the medical fraternity from different parts of the country for their safety and security in view of the strike in West Bengal.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Medical Association will stage a 24-hour-long nationwide protest on Monday This comes at a time when doctors from various institutions across the country have been demanding security following the incident where two doctors were attacked over alleged negligence at a hospital in Kolkata.

Indian Medical Association will stage a 24-hour-long nationwide protest on Monday This comes at a time when doctors from various institutions across the country have been demanding security following the incident where two doctors were attacked over alleged negligence at a hospital in Kolkata. According to the report, all non-essential services including Outpatient Departments (OPDs) will be closed starting from 6 am tomorrow. IMA will also stage a sit-in at its headquarters in Delhi starting 10 am. Indian Medical Association (IMA) to hold a 24-hour-long nationwide protest tomorrow; all Non-Essential Services including OPDs will be closed starting from 6 am. IMA will also stage a 'dharna' at IMA headquarters in Delhi starting 10 am tomorrow. — ANI (@ANI) June 16, 2019 × The impasse at the state-run medical colleges and hospitals in West Bengal entered the sixth day on Sunday, even as the agitating doctors asserted that they were open to talks with the government. Earlier, the agitators had insisted that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visit the city's NRS Medical College and Hospital, the epicentre of the agitation. After an internal meeting late on Saturday, the doctors, who had turned down an invite for a closed-door meeting with Banerjee at the state secretariat, mellowed down and stated that they were ready to hold a dialogue in any form, but the venue of the meeting would be decided later. During a press conference at the state secretariat on Saturday, Banerjee urged the agitators to resume work and said her government had accepted all of their demands. She also stressed that a group of doctors had met her and expressed their willingness to join duty, a claim vehemently refuted by the striking doctors. The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued an advisory, seeking a report on the ongoing stir and stating that it had received a number of representations from the medical fraternity from different parts of the country for their safety and security in view of the strike in West Bengal. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Medical Association to hold nationwide protest; all non-essential services will be closed

<p>Agitating junior doctors in West Bengal softened their stand on Sunday and asserted that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was free to decide the venue of the meeting with them, but stressed that it should be held in open.</p>

<p>Banerjee had on Saturday invited the agitators for closed-door talks, but the offer was turned down by them.</p>

<p>Talking to the media after a two-and-half-hour-long meeting of their governing body, a spokesperson of the joint forum of junior doctors said, "We are keen to end this impasse. We are ready to hold talks with the chief minister at a venue of her choice, provided it is held in the open, in the presence of media persons, and not behind closed doors."</p>

<p>The spokesperson said the venue should be spacious enough to accommodate representatives from all medical colleges and hospitals in the state.</p>

<p>Earlier, the agitators had insisted that Banerjee visit the NRS Medical College and Hospital, the epicentre of the agitation.</p>

<p>"We want to join our duties as early as possible in the best interests of the common people once all our demands are met with adequately and logically through a discussion.</p>

<p>"We are hopeful that the chief minister will be considerate enough to solve the problems," he said, adding that the strike would continue till a solution was worked out.</p>

<p>Junior doctors across the state are observing a strike in protest against an assault on two of their colleagues at the NRS, allegedly by the family members of a patient who died on Monday night.</p>

<p>Services continued to remain affected for the sixth day on Sunday in the emergency wards, outdoor facilities and pathological units of many state-run hospitals and private medical facilities in the state, leaving several patients in the lurch.&nbsp;</p>


Agitating junior doctors in West Bengal softened their stand on Sunday and asserted that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was free to decide the venue of the meeting with them, but stressed that it should be held in open.

Agitating junior doctors in West Bengal softened their stand on Sunday and asserted that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was free to decide the venue of the meeting with them, but stressed that it should be held in open. Banerjee had on Saturday invited the agitators for closed-door talks, but the offer was turned down by them. Talking to the media after a two-and-half-hour-long meeting of their governing body, a spokesperson of the joint forum of junior doctors said, "We are keen to end this impasse. We are ready to hold talks with the chief minister at a venue of her choice, provided it is held in the open, in the presence of media persons, and not behind closed doors." The spokesperson said the venue should be spacious enough to accommodate representatives from all medical colleges and hospitals in the state. Earlier, the agitators had insisted that Banerjee visit the NRS Medical College and Hospital, the epicentre of the agitation. "We want to join our duties as early as possible in the best interests of the common people once all our demands are met with adequately and logically through a discussion. "We are hopeful that the chief minister will be considerate enough to solve the problems," he said, adding that the strike would continue till a solution was worked out. Junior doctors across the state are observing a strike in protest against an assault on two of their colleagues at the NRS, allegedly by the family members of a patient who died on Monday night. Services continued to remain affected for the sixth day on Sunday in the emergency wards, outdoor facilities and pathological units of many state-run hospitals and private medical facilities in the state, leaving several patients in the lurch.

Protesting doctors say CM Mamata Banerjee free to choose venue, but meeting should be held in open

<p>Resident doctors of AIIMS and Safdarjung Hospital, who boycotted work on Friday in protest against attacks on their colleagues in Kolkata, have now given a 48-hour ultimatum to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to meet the demands of the state's agitating doctors, failing which they said they would go on indefinite strike.</p>

<p>Members of the AIIMS Resident Doctors Association (RDA), who resumed work on Saturday, said that if the demands of the West Bengal doctors are not met within 48 hours, they would be forced to resort to an indefinite strike.</p>

<p>"We condemn the hostile and unapologetic attitude of the government of West Bengal. Our protest at AIIMS, New Delhi continues until justice is meted out.</p>

<p>"According to the decision taken in a general body meeting held on June 14, RDA issues an ultimatum of 48 hours to the West Bengal government to meet the demands of the striking doctors there, failing which we would be forced to resort to an indefinite strike at AIIMS, New Delhi. We hope that our colleagues across the nation will join us in this hour of need," the AIIMS RDA said in a statement.</p>

<p>They expressed their gratitude to Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan for his prompt and proactive steps to resolve the impasse.</p>

<p>"We sincerely hope that he will address this matter of utmost importance with the urgency that it merits," they said.</p>

<p>Safdarjung Hospital RDA president Parakash Thakur also echoed a similar stand on the matter.</p>

<p>The doctors, however, will continue to wear helmets and bandages at work as a sign of protest.</p>

<p>The 48-hour ultimatum by AIIMS doctors comes days after Mamata Banerjee gave a four-hour ultimatum to the striking doctors in her state to withdraw their strike or vacate hostels.</p>

<p>To express solidarity with the doctors who are agitating against an attack on their colleagues in West Bengal, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called for a strike on June 17.</p>

<p>The IMA has also decided to continue their protest on Saturday and Sunday condemning the continued suffering of the resident doctors and repeated occurrence of harassments, it said.</p>

<p>These protests will include wearing black badges, dharnas, peace marches. IMA has also requested the support from all associations of the fraternity to join the agitation.</p>

<p>The apex body of doctors in the country also renewed its demand for a central law to check violence against healthcare workers in hospitals and said that the law should provide a minimum sentence of seven-year jail to violators.</p>

<p>Vardhan on Friday supported the medical fraternity's demand for a central law to check violence against healthcare workers in hospitals and said such crimes should be made non-bailable.</p>

<p>Scores of doctors in Delhi Friday held demonstrations, with many seeing patients in emergency wards wearing bandages on forehead or helmets, marching and raising slogans to express solidarity.&nbsp;</p>


Resident doctors of AIIMS and Safdarjung Hospital, who boycotted work on Friday in protest against attacks on their colleagues in Kolkata, have now given a 48-hour ultimatum to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to meet the demands of the state's agitating doctors, failing which they said they would go on indefinite strike.

Resident doctors of AIIMS and Safdarjung Hospital, who boycotted work on Friday in protest against attacks on their colleagues in Kolkata, have now given a 48-hour ultimatum to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to meet the demands of the state's agitating doctors, failing which they said they would go on indefinite strike. Members of the AIIMS Resident Doctors Association (RDA), who resumed work on Saturday, said that if the demands of the West Bengal doctors are not met within 48 hours, they would be forced to resort to an indefinite strike. "We condemn the hostile and unapologetic attitude of the government of West Bengal. Our protest at AIIMS, New Delhi continues until justice is meted out. "According to the decision taken in a general body meeting held on June 14, RDA issues an ultimatum of 48 hours to the West Bengal government to meet the demands of the striking doctors there, failing which we would be forced to resort to an indefinite strike at AIIMS, New Delhi. We hope that our colleagues across the nation will join us in this hour of need," the AIIMS RDA said in a statement. They expressed their gratitude to Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan for his prompt and proactive steps to resolve the impasse. "We sincerely hope that he will address this matter of utmost importance with the urgency that it merits," they said. Safdarjung Hospital RDA president Parakash Thakur also echoed a similar stand on the matter. The doctors, however, will continue to wear helmets and bandages at work as a sign of protest. The 48-hour ultimatum by AIIMS doctors comes days after Mamata Banerjee gave a four-hour ultimatum to the striking doctors in her state to withdraw their strike or vacate hostels. To express solidarity with the doctors who are agitating against an attack on their colleagues in West Bengal, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called for a strike on June 17. The IMA has also decided to continue their protest on Saturday and Sunday condemning the continued suffering of the resident doctors and repeated occurrence of harassments, it said. These protests will include wearing black badges, dharnas, peace marches. IMA has also requested the support from all associations of the fraternity to join the agitation. The apex body of doctors in the country also renewed its demand for a central law to check violence against healthcare workers in hospitals and said that the law should provide a minimum sentence of seven-year jail to violators. Vardhan on Friday supported the medical fraternity's demand for a central law to check violence against healthcare workers in hospitals and said such crimes should be made non-bailable. Scores of doctors in Delhi Friday held demonstrations, with many seeing patients in emergency wards wearing bandages on forehead or helmets, marching and raising slogans to express solidarity.

AIIMS, Safdarjung doctors issue 48-hour ultimatum to Mamata; criticizes her for being hostile and unapologetic