Srinagar, September 5: BJP J&K has strongly condemned the alleged pressure being exerted on MBBS interns to call off their strike over the stipend hike demand, with reports of Heads of Departments warning protesting students of strict action. State Spokesperson Danish Bhat said the Omar Abdullah government must immediately abandon such coercive tactics and address the interns’ genuine grievances through dialogue and a time-bound resolution.
“Instead of resolving a legitimate concern raised by young doctors, the government appears to be choosing intimidation over dialogue. MBBS interns work long hours and shoulder significant responsibilities in our healthcare institutions. Their demand for a fair stipend cannot be brushed aside, and they should not be threatened for raising their concerns through peaceful protest,” Bhat said.
He said medical interns are an integral part of the healthcare delivery system and their contribution to hospitals and patients must be recognised with dignity and fairness.
“Threatening students with strict action is not the way to resolve a genuine grievance. The government should immediately stop any form of pressure or intimidation and initiate meaningful dialogue with the protesting interns,” he added.
Bhat further warned that any punitive action against MBBS interns for raising their legitimate demands through peaceful protest would be strongly opposed by the BJP.
“These young doctors are already serving in our healthcare institutions and deserve dignity, fair compensation and a government willing to hear their concerns. The Omar Abdullah government must immediately resolve the stipend issue and ensure that no MBBS intern is victimised for participating in a peaceful protest,” Bhat said.