Kashmir Medical Interns Face Disciplinary Action Amid Stipend Protest
Two Kashmir medical colleges have issued show-cause notices to protesting interns, who are demanding a stipend hike from Rs 12,500 to Rs 30,000.
Two medical colleges in the Kashmir Valley have escalated the standoff with striking medical interns by issuing show-cause notices, demanding they explain within 24 hours why disciplinary action should not be taken against them.
The notices come a day after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed concern over the protest, stating that the issue should be resolved quickly and that the strike was not in anyone's interest.
One notice, issued by the Principal of SKIMS Medical College, described the strike as "gross indiscipline and professional misconduct" that could warrant curtailment, temporary suspension, or even cancellation of internship. The notice reminded interns that they had submitted affidavits pledging not to participate in strikes or acts of indiscipline.
A similarly worded notice has been issued to two interns at Government Medical College Anantnag.
The Demand
Medical interns across the Valley have been on strike since August 31, demanding an increase in their monthly stipend from the current Rs 12,500 to at least Rs 30,000.
While both the government and opposition have acknowledged the demands as genuine, the opposition has condemned the notices. PDP leader Iltija Mufti questioned the timing of the action, arguing that peaceful protest is a democratic right and that interns should not be held to account based on an affidavit.
On Monday, Chief Minister Abdullah had indicated that the interns had been given assurances, and referred further questions to Health Minister Sakina Itoo. He stressed the need for a swift resolution, noting that the prolonged strike was harming the interns' own training and work.