Kolkata doctor murder: Mamata Banerjee makes 'last attempt' at protesting site; doctors demand live telecast of meeting
Kolkata doctor murder: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee paid a surprise visit to the protest site where doctors are demonstrating on Saturday and addressed them, breaking the deadlock between her government and the protesting doctors.
Doctors have been protesting since a trainee doctor was raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata last month. They staged a sit-in outside Swasthya Bhavan, the West Bengal Health Department's headquarters, on Tuesday. Since then, there have been attempts to hold a meeting between the state government and the doctors, but they have stalled, most recently due to the protestors' demand for live streaming of the talks.
Mamata Banerjee addressed the protesting doctors, stating that she was there as an elder sister and not as chief minister. Acknowledging their efforts, she urged doctors return to work and promised that they would not face any adverse consequences. She continued. "Seniors won't be able to work without your assistance, I urge you to resume work."
She went on to say that as a former student leader, she understood the objective of the doctors' protests and promised to bring justice to the victim of the RG Kar rape and murder case.
"I have come forward by leading the student movement, I have also struggled a lot in my life, and I understand your struggle. I am not worried about my position," she said.
"It rained all night yesterday, you were sitting here protesting, I was worried all night...After listening to your demands, I will study them. I do not run the government alone, I will definitely find a solution by studying your demands with senior officials. Whoever is found guilty will definitely be punished. I am asking for some time from you," she added.
She urged the demonstrators to return to work, stating that their families were concerned about them and that many patients had died as a result of inadequate medical care.
"Return to work. I will make sure that no injustice happens. I will establish committees at each hospital with senior and junior doctors as members. Everyone found guilty will be punished; they are not my friends (relating to the demand for the resignation of some officials). Please talk among yourselves and return to work; I will not take any action. In Uttar Pradesh, action was taken; I will not do that. I know you work hard, and I understand how important you are," she remarked.
She further added that this is the "last attempt to resolve the crisis" and urged doctors to keep faith in the government.
"This is my last attempt to resolve the crisis... If you keep your faith in me, I will investigate your complaints. The matter is currently pending in the Supreme Court and the next hearing is scheduled for Tuesday. I do not want you to suffer. I've come to make a request as your 'didi' (big sister), not as the chief minister. I empathise with and support your protest... I was also on a hunger strike for 26 days (during the protest against the acquisition of lands in Singur) but no one from the then government came to speak to me," she added.
The doctors shouted "We want justice" loudly near the end of Banerjee's address. Talking to the media, some of the protesters said that while they welcomed her overture, they wanted a "transparent" meeting, referring to the demand for a live telecast of discussions.
"We welcome Mamata Banerjee's visit. We are ready to talk with her. Media is present here. Let us have an open meeting with her to discuss our five demands," stated a protesting doctor.
- PTC NEWS
