Jammu and Kashmir medical interns launch hunger strike over stipend demands

Medical interns in Jammu and Kashmir have escalated their protests over demands for increased stipends. Interns from the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) in Bemina have launched a hunger strike, insisting on a formal written order from the administration to approve the revision of their monthly stipend to Rs 30,000.

Srinagar MP Ruhullah Mehdi has criticized the Jammu and Kashmir administration, alleging that government medical college principals are coercing interns to end their strike. Mehdi noted a discrepancy in the government's approach, stating that while the health minister previously called the demands “genuine,” institutional heads are now reportedly warning interns of consequences for continuing their protest. The interns maintain that verbal assurances are insufficient and will continue their agitation until an official order is issued.