Assam: 800 ambulances off the road as workers strike
Assam's emergency services are in trouble, with nearly 800 ambulances out of action after 108 Mrityunjoy ambulance staff went on an indefinite strike.
The workers, who've been helping save lives since 2008, say they're tired of job insecurity, low pay, and unpaid overtime.
They're asking for stable jobs and fair wages.
What's happening on the ground?
The strike has left emergency care across Assam stretched thin.
About 3,000 employees are protesting in Guwahati, saying low pay and long hours make it tough to support their families or even cover basics like their kids' education.
As Joint Secretary Sayed Ashik Hussain put it: "We cannot afford proper education for our children," he said.
How is the government responding?
To keep things running, the government has managed to get about 500 ambulances back on the roads with backup plans.
But tensions have spiked—over 100 drivers have been suspended over alleged disruptions during the strike.
For now, both sides are holding firm as they look for a way forward.