The authorities also failed to break the impasse today, as the protesting students shunned proposals for talks. The students have said that their agitation will continue until their demands of proper hostel seats and withdrawal of police complaints against five students, are met.

The patients at various wards of the hospital, including orthopaedic, gynaecology, and paediatrics had to face a hard time to get medical attention due to the strike.

“We are trying our best to solve the problem. The students are not coming forward for the talks. Meanwhile, we have made special arrangements in the Out Patients Department and wards. Patients, however, have suffered owing to the stir,” said A N Biswas, deputy superintendent of the hospital.

The four agitating junior doctors continued their hunger-strike. “The authorities are siding with the SFI by allowing their supporters to stay in the hostel, but depriving those who dare to oppose them. We have also been told to vacate our hostel while the examinations are on,” said Arkojyoti Mukherjee, one of the junior doctors.