J&K Medical Interns Launch 48-Hour Hunger Strike for Stipend

Medical interns from ten Government Medical Colleges and two Dental Colleges in Jammu and Kashmir initiated a 48-hour hunger strike starting Monday, following unsuccessful negotiations with the state government regarding their monthly stipend increase.

These interns have been protesting for an enhanced stipend for over a week. Dr. Faraz, a participant, remarked, “Our strike is indefinite. It will not stop until we receive an official order. But now, over a week has passed since the strike began. If the government takes an issue seriously, it doesn’t take this long to issue an order.”

To maintain pressure on the authorities, medical interns resorted to this hunger strike. According to Dr. Faraz, “No one forced them. Two to three students from each college have come forward to sit on a hunger strike.”

The interns expressed frustration over the government’s repeated requests for more time, stating they’ve already been patient for three years. Dr. Faraz emphasized, “The recommendation was made in 2023. Even if we assume they only started taking the issue seriously after the strike began, eight days have passed, and there is still no order.”

He criticized the government for providing only vague promises, stating that verbal assurances like “‘we will look into it in a month or two’” are no longer credible. The interns remain firm in their stance that immediate action must occur.

Dr. Faraz accused the college administration of attempts to “intimidate and threaten” the protesting interns, saying, “It is unacceptable. We are protesting for our legitimate rights.” He reiterated that intimidation will not silence their demands. He added, “We gave them a fitting response yesterday.”

Another intern, Dr. Musharaf, acknowledged that while there have been some developments during negotiations, “no solution has been reached yet.” He mentioned, “Our subsequent dialogue will continue moving forward, so we will not say that it has entirely failed.”

The interns concluded that their current 48-hour hunger strike is a critical part of their strategy to escalate pressure on the government. “We will plan our course of action as things progress,” Dr. Musharaf stated, highlighting their commitment to continuing the fight for better stipend regulations.