AIIMS issue: Civil groups begin chain hunger strike in Jammu

The coordination committee of various civil groups spearheading agitation demanding setting up of AIIMS in Jammu region today began its indefinite sit-in and chain hunger strike.

"To press the demand for an AIIMS in Jammu region, the coordination committee supported by members from other civil society groups today started its indefinite dharna amid chain hunger strike here, Abhinav Sharma, president, Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar association, Jammu told reporters.

The AIIMS coordination committee supported by Congress party began dharna in front of the statue of Maharaja Hari Singh at Tawi Bridge this morning. Four members, including Sharma, sat on chain hunger strike.

The AIIMS coordination committee, an amalgam of more than 70 social, religious, political and business organisations in Jammu, was established after the reported shifting of AIIMS from Jammu to Kashmir region.

"The indefinite dharna will continue till the demand is not fulfilled by the Central and state governments," Sharma said.

He further said "there has been continuous injustice with the people of Jammu and the issue of shifting of AIIMS from Jammu region is a glaring example of that injustice, people here are resolved not to tolerate this injustice anymore."

"We will send our teams to different districts and launch protests and strikes there," he said, adding that government should take into congisance the two successful strikes in Jammu over the demand.