Jammu and Kashmir medical interns continue strike after failed talks

Medical interns in Jammu and Kashmir have extended their indefinite strike after failed negotiations with Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo. The interns are demanding an increase in their monthly stipend from Rs 12,300 to Rs 30,000, citing inflation and heavy workloads.

While Minister Itoo described the demands as “genuine” and stated that the proposal is currently with the Finance Department, the interns refused to end their agitation because they did not receive a written commitment. The Minister provided verbal assurances that the issue would be resolved within a month, but the protesting group insisted on formal documentation to prevent further delays.

Minister Itoo also criticized opposition parties for politicizing the strike, accusing them of showing “false sympathy” while failing to address similar issues during their previous tenure in power.