AIIMS issue: Hunger strike enters 5th consecutive day

JAMMU: The chain hunger strike resumed by the AIIMS coordination committee ( ACC) demanding setting up of an AIIMS here entered its fifth consecutive day today with 20 people taking their turn to sit for the protest.

The ACC, an amalgam of over 70 organisations, is leading the agitation for setting up of AIIMS in Jammu. It had yesterday given a three-day complete Jammu bandh call from July 31.

It will be third bandh observed over the AIIMS issue. A complete bandh was earlier observed on April 24 and May 27 after which Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh had given a written assurance that an AIIMS will be announced for Jammu by the Centre on or before July 20.

The ACC resumed its agitation from July 21, after the BJP leaders failed to fulfill their commitment to bring an order for setting up of the premier health institute in the region.

Opposition parties have also attacked the BJP leadership in the state over the issue and demanded resignation of the BJP leaders who were signatories to the written assurance.