JAMMU/SRINAGAR, September 7, 2026 – The indefinite strike by MBBS and BDS interns across Jammu and Kashmir has entered its seventh consecutive day, with tensions escalating as protesting junior doctors allege mounting pressure and threats of disciplinary action from hospital administrations.
The interns remain steadfast in their demand for a hike in their monthly stipend from ₹12,300 to ₹30,000, refusing to call off the agitation until a formal Government order is issued.
1.Allegations of Coercion:
According to the protesting medics, they have been repeatedly contacted by Heads of Departments (HoDs) and senior residents asking them to return to work. A message circulated among the interns directed them to immediately resume duties on Monday, warning that failure to do so would result in “appropriate disciplinary action” ordered by “higher authorities”. Despite the pressure, the interns have refused to withdraw, with some at GMC Anantnag warning that they will escalate the protest to a hunger strike if a formal order is not issued promptly.
2.Government Assurances vs. Intern Demands:
The developments come despite the Government acknowledging that the interns’ demands are genuine and that a proposal for the stipend enhancement is actively under process. Chief Minister’s Advisor Nasir Sogami recently conveyed that the necessary administrative and financial formalities are expected to be completed by October 3. Similarly, Health Minister Sakeena Itoo assured a delegation of interns that a formal order would be issued by October 4. However, the interns are unwilling to rely on verbal assurances and demand immediate written documentation.
3.Political Interventions:
The continuing deadlock and alleged intimidation tactics have drawn sharp political reactions. Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi intervened by writing to Minister Itoo and the principals of Government Medical Colleges, questioning “on whose instruction” the coercive warnings were issued. Mehdi asserted that the interns have a constitutional right to protest peacefully and should not be penalized. Meanwhile, the BJP accused the Omar Abdullah-led government of adopting “coercive tactics,” with BJP J&K spokesperson Danish Bhat demanding an end to the threats and a time-bound resolution through dialogue.
As the strike disrupts routine hospital services, all eyes are on the government to break the deadlock and formally address the long-standing financial grievances of the region’s frontline junior doctors.
Published by True Roots Media Network