Medical interns from ten Government Medical Colleges and two Dental Colleges in Jammu and Kashmir have initiated a 48-hour hunger strike starting Monday. This action follows unsuccessful negotiations with the state government regarding their demand for an increased monthly stipend.
The hunger strike comes after the interns have engaged in an indefinite strike for the past seven days. Dr. Faraz, a leading voice among the protesters, emphasized the urgency of their situation, stating, “If the government takes an issue seriously, it doesn’t take this long to issue an order.” He highlighted the necessity for escalated measures to prompt a governmental response.
According to Dr. Faraz, the interns felt compelled to resort to a hunger strike to apply consistent pressure on the government. “No one forced them. Two to three students from each college have come forward,” he explained, underscoring the voluntary nature of their commitment.
The interns expressed deep frustration with the government’s repeated requests for time, noting that they have already shown patience over the past three years. They reiterated their demands based on a recommendation made in 2023, which still remains unaddressed. Dr. Faraz further commented, “If they continue to give verbal assurances like ‘we will look into it in a month or two’, the interns are not going to be convinced anymore.”
Accusations of intimidation emerged as part of the protest narrative, with Dr. Faraz alleging that college administration attempted to “intimidate and threaten” the interns to suppress their protest. “It is unacceptable. We are protesting for our legitimate rights,” he said, asserting that they wouldn’t be silenced through coercive tactics.
Dr. Musharaf, another intern involved in the hunger strike, acknowledged some positive developments in their ongoing negotiations with the government. However, he clarified that no definitive solution has yet been achieved. “Our subsequent dialogue will continue moving forward, so we will not say that it has entirely failed,” he remarked, showing a willingness to maintain communication channels.
As the hunger strike progresses, the medical interns have outlined plans to evaluate their course of action based on the responsiveness of the government. Dr. Musharaf stated, “For now, we are starting a 48-hour hunger strike, and subsequently we will plan our course of action as things progress.” This situation reflects a broader context of unrest among the medical interns in Jammu and Kashmir, rooted in long-standing grievances regarding their financial stipends.
