The protest by 108 ambulance workers in Assam entered its 6th day today, and the situation on the ground has become more tense and uncertain. What started as a simple demand for better pay and job security has now turned into a major statewide crisis, with more than 1,000 emergency workers refusing to return to duty. Their absence has affected ambulance services in many districts, leaving patients and families worried.
The protest began five days ago, but today marked a deeper sense of frustration among the workers. Many employees continued their shirtless demonstration at the Chachal protest ground in Guwahati to show how exposed and helpless they feel. Several of them said they have served the people of Assam during floods, accidents, medical emergencies and natural disasters, yet the government has not addressed their concerns.
The situation became more serious after GVK-EMRI Green Health Services, the private agency handling the 108 ambulance service, issued termination letters to more than 500 workers. These letters were sent out late Thursday night, accusing employees of not reporting to work and disrupting public services. Workers described the mass termination as extremely harsh and unfair. 
“We have saved countless lives over the years, but today we are being pushed aside,” said Pranjal Sarma, president of the All Assam 108 Mrityunjoy Employees’ Association. He said the workers remain firm in their protest despite losing their jobs. “They have taken away our jobs but not our courage,” he said.
Workers said they have been demanding regularization under the state government for many years. Most of them are on contract and receive only eight hours of pay while working twelve-hour shifts every day. They said their wages have not kept up with inflation, and they receive no security despite working in risky conditions.
One protester said many workers have been serving for 20 to even 45–50 years, and at this stage in life, getting a new job is nearly impossible. “We are not afraid of being terminated,” he said. “But this is unfair. Whatever we earned, we earned with hard work. We request the Assam Government and the Health Minister to hear us. If they do not listen, the protest will only become stronger.”
The company, however, has taken a strict stand. Sidhartha Laskar, HR head of EMRI, said the “No Work, No Pay” rule is being followed and workers who continue to remain absent will be replaced. He said only about 150 employees have returned to duty so far and around 70 ambulances were operating on the first day of the strike. He claimed that some workers had withheld ambulance keys and phones, which affected emergency services.
