In a significant turn of events, Kolkata Police have denied permission for junior doctors to hold a protest at Dharmatala, citing concerns over public safety and traffic congestion. The junior doctors, who began their sit-in on Friday night in front of the Metro channel, are protesting against the horrific assault and murder of a female doctor, demanding justice and improved safety for healthcare workers across hospitals.
Despite their appeal for permission to hold an indefinite hunger strike, Kolkata Police responded on Saturday morning via email, stating that the high foot traffic in Dharmatala during the festive season could lead to significant public inconvenience. “Given the current festive atmosphere and the influx of shoppers, the proposed sit-in could disrupt the peace and create traffic issues,” the email read. Police suggested that if the junior doctors wished to protest, they should consider an alternate location away from the busy Dharmatala area.
Kolkata Police Denies Permission for Junior Doctors’ Protest Amid Rising Tensions
The ongoing protests by junior doctors have emerged as a critical response to the recent violence faced by medical professionals. They have articulated a list of ten demands aimed at ensuring better security and support for doctors and health workers in hospitals. After a large march from SSKM Hospital to Dharmatala, the junior doctors set a 24-hour ultimatum for the state government to address their demands, warning that failure to respond could lead them to escalate their protests to a hunger strike.
As of now, the state government has yet to engage with their demands, despite over 17 hours having passed since the ultimatum was issued. The junior doctors assert that they will continue their protest until their voices are heard and appropriate actions are taken.
The rejection of their protest location has only intensified the resolve of the junior doctors, who are committed to highlighting the urgent need for safety measures in the healthcare sector. With the city bustling in preparation for the upcoming Durga Puja festivities, the junior doctors hope that their movement will draw attention to the systemic issues facing medical professionals, particularly concerning their safety and rights.
As tensions rise, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether the state government will address the concerns of the junior doctors or if the situation will escalate further.