The Indian Medical Association on Thursday appealed to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to “begin a dialogue process” and give “immediate attention” to junior doctors who have started fasting, in order to “save their lives”. The organisation also expressed their support of the junior doctors’ demands.

A letter was written to the CM by Honorary Secretary General of IMA Anilkumar J Nayak and National President RV Asokan. It stated, “It (has) almost (been) a week since the young doctors of Bengal (started their) fast onto death…  The Government of West Bengal is entirely capable of meeting all the demands. Peaceful ambience and security are not a luxury. They are a prerequisite. We appeal to your good self to settle the issues with the young generation doctors as an elder and the Head of the Government.”

“The entire medical fraternity of India is concerned and trust you would be able to save their lives,” it added, while offering the help of IMA officers.

The association sent a copy of their letter to President Dilip Kumar Dutta and Secretary Santanu Sen of their West Bengal chapter.

The junior doctors, agitating over the rape and murder of their colleague at R G Kar Hospital, continued their fast unto death for the sixth consecutive day on Thursday, amid Durga Puja festivities across West Bengal.