Saturday, August 27 2005 16:18 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Thiruvnanthapuram: The Kerala Government was ready to hold talks with the doctors who were on an indefinite strike in Kasargod District protesting the alleged assault of a doctor by former minister and MLA Cherkalam Abdulla at Manjeshwaram on Wednesday, Health Minister K K Ramachandran said today.

The police investigation into the case registered against Abdulla was progressing, he told a press conference here. He said the high power committee of ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) which met here today authorised him, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and PWD Minister M K Muneer for holding talks with the assocation leaders.

He said the state-wide strike by doctors affiliated to the Kerala Government Medical Officers Association on Thursday was 'unfortunate' as the association had not given a formal notice to the government on the strike.

They also did not come forward to hold discussion with the government on their grievances before going on the strike, he said adding poor people who depended on government hospitals suffered due to the strike.

Ramachandran said police acted "quickly" and registered a case against Abdulla "even though he is an MLA and former minister". The District Collector's report on the matter was not clear about the incident, he said.

While members of the association throughout the state struck work on Thursday, those in Kasargod district had said they would continue the stir till Abdulla was charged with attempt to murder.