WB: Junior doctors call for 12-hour hunger strike, urge supporters to join

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], October 7 : Junior doctors and medical students, protesting against the RG Kar rape-murder case, have announced a 12-hour hunger strike from 9 am to 9 pm tomorrow.
The protesters said that additionally, six of them will also sit on 'indefinite' hunger strike.
The junior doctors also said that a symbolic rally will be held on the same day and have called on supporters to join them in their protests.
On August 9, a woman trainee doctor was found dead in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
Doctors are protesting the August 9 rape and murder of a trainee doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Among the demands of the doctors include removal of the health secretary and increased police protection in hospitals.
Dr Soumodip Roy, one of the junior doctors participating in the strike, said, "The people from our college have been on hunger strike for nearly two days now. It has been 36 hours, and the hunger strike will continue until the government meets our demands."
"There will be a rally this evening from the college, and many other colleges and junior doctors will take part in a symbolic hunger strike at North Bengal Medical College," he added.
Being asked about the charge sheet filed by the CBI, Dr Soumodip said, "We will have to see what's in the charge sheet, but we have always said that until the motive behind this incident is clear--how many people are fully involved, and how much evidence has been tampered with--this all should come out in the open. Until all of this is revealed, we cannot be satisfied. This fight started with a new idea from Abhaya, and until we get a new idea from Abhaya, our fight will continue."
Dr Roy also highlighted the challenges the group faces, and criticised the state government's approach towards their protest.
"The matter we want to raise is this: we are in a democratic movement, and everyone has the right to engage in peaceful protest and hunger strike. The hunger strike is continuing peacefully, but the government is trying to stop us by not allowing access to restrooms earlier and not letting us sit here. This is not right because a democratic movement should be allowed, and it's the government's duty to protect it," he added.
Dr Tauheed, another participant, outlined the schedule for tomorrow. He said, "Our doctors who are on hunger strike will continue their strike.
"Tomorrow, from 9 AM to 9 PM, we will also participate in the hunger strike. It's not just for doctors; any common person who wants to join in the hunger strike can do so with us here," he added.
In addition to the hunger strike, a rally has been planned by senior doctors and other supporters.
"We will also hold a rally from the Medical College, organised by senior doctors, in which we will participate," Dr Tauheed said.
West Bengal junior doctors on Saturday announced a hunger strike to protest against the rape and murder incident at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
Earlier on Friday, The doctors had issued the Bengal state government a 24-hour ultimatum to meet their demands, warning that they would begin an indefinite hunger strike if unmet.