Medical interns from ten Government Medical Colleges and two Dental Colleges in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) began a 48-hour hunger strike on Monday. This strike comes after their discussions with the state government failed to resolve their ongoing demands for an enhanced monthly stipend. The medical interns, now on their eighth day of protest, express frustration over the government’s lack of action.
Dr. Faraz, a protesting medical intern, stated, “Our strike is indefinite. It will not stop until we receive an official order.” He emphasized the interns’ commitment to their cause, recounting how they felt obligated to pursue a hunger strike to apply continuous pressure on government officials. “No one forced them. Two to three students from each college have come forward to sit on a hunger strike,” he added.
The interns expressed their disappointment with the government’s response thus far. They complained of ongoing delays and requested timely solutions. “The government keeps asking for time, but we have already given them three years,” Dr. Faraz lamented, reinforcing their sense of urgency in addressing stipend issues.
The interns pointed to a prior recommendation made in 2023 regarding stipend increases, insisting that meaningful change should have occurred by now. “Even assuming they started taking the issue seriously after the strike began, eight days have passed with no order,” he said, highlighting the lack of tangible progress.
Dr. Faraz has criticized the college administration for attempting to “intimidate and threaten” the protestors. “It is unacceptable. We protest for our legitimate rights and will not be silenced,” he asserted, reflecting the resolve of their actions.
Another medical intern, Dr. Musharaf, acknowledged some progress in negotiations with government authorities. However, he indicated significant hurdles remain. “Our subsequent dialogue will continue moving forward, so we will not say that it has entirely failed,” he stated.
The interns’ current actions, including the 48-hour hunger strike, express their urgent need for a resolution. “Plan B will depend on how the government responds in the coming days,” Dr. Musharaf noted, emphasizing their strategy for future engagement.
As more students join the ranks of those protesting, the medical interns remain hopeful for a swift resolution. Their unified stance highlights their commitment to advocating for fair treatment and a stipend increase that reflects their contributions to the healthcare system in Jammu and Kashmir.
