India: Junior doctors end 17-day hunger strike protesting colleague’s rape and murder
Junior doctors in Kolkata, India, have ended a 17-day hunger strike protesting the rape and murder of a colleague.
The strike was called off in response to an appeal from the victim’s parents, who were concerned about the doctors’ health and the impact of the strike on healthcare services.
The doctors had been demanding better security and conditions at government hospitals, as well as justice for the victims. A police volunteer was arrested for the crime, which sparked nationwide protests in August and September.
Also Read: UN refugee agency urges Indonesia to rescue stranded boat with over 100 Rohingya refugees
During their strike, some doctors suffered severe dehydration and had to be hospitalized. However, their efforts led to a meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who agreed to most of their demands.
Dr. Debasish Halder, a spokesman for the doctors, stated that their movement for justice and a secure healthcare system would continue, with ongoing monitoring of the government’s progress.
India has struggled with violence against women, despite enacting tougher laws after the 2012 gang rape and murder of a woman in New Delhi.
Activists argue that women remain vulnerable to sexual violence. The country’s justice system has been criticized for failing to prevent such crimes, with issues including inadequate implementation of laws, lack of police reform, and insufficient support for victims.
The Indian government has taken steps to address these issues, including the establishment of the Nirbhaya Fund and the setting up of Emergency Response Support Systems.
