Srinagar, Sep 3: The protest by MBBS and BDS intern doctors across Jammu and Kashmir entered its fourth consecutive day on Thursday, with the All India Medical Students’ Association (AIMSA) maintaining that the peaceful strike will continue until the government issues a formal written order confirming the hike in internship stipend.

The protesting interns have been demanding an increase in their stipend, arguing that the existing amount does not adequately reflect their workload, responsibilities and the rising cost of living. The agitation has gained momentum as interns continue to press the government for a clear and time-bound decision rather than verbal assurances.
Amid the ongoing protest, AIMSA Joint Secretary Dr. Akib Javid and Academic Head Dr. Runga Zamin were called by Congress MLA Ghulam Ahmad Mir for discussions on the issue. During the meeting, the MLA reportedly conveyed that the Chief Minister had directed the concerned authorities to examine the interns’ demand.
According to the MLA, the government has assured that the demand for a stipend hike would be considered, subject to the interns withdrawing their strike.
However, AIMSA State In-Charge Dr. Mohammad Momin Khan said the interns were not prepared to end the agitation merely on the basis of assurances. He reiterated that the protest would continue until a written government order formally confirming the stipend enhancement is issued.
The interns have maintained that a written order is essential to ensure clarity and accountability and to prevent uncertainty over the implementation of the proposed hike.
The protest has brought renewed attention to the working conditions of medical and dental interns, who play an important role in hospitals and healthcare institutions while undergoing the final practical phase of their professional training.
AIMSA has stressed that the agitation remains peaceful and focused solely on securing what it considers a legitimate demand. The association has also appealed to the authorities to address the matter expeditiously and issue a formal notification so that the deadlock can be resolved.
With the strike entering its fourth day, attention now remains focused on the government’s next move and whether a written order on the stipend hike will be issued to pave the way for the interns to resume their duties.