MBBS, BDS interns reject emergency duty assignments, intensify stipend protest
Srinagar, Sep 7, KNT: MBBS and BDS interns from medical and dental colleges across Jammu and Kashmir have announced that they will not undertake emergency-duty assignments with immediate effect, intensifying their ongoing protest over the demand for a fair and reasonable stipend.
In an official announcement issued on September 6 on behalf of the authorized representatives of MBBS and BDS interns, the interns said the decision followed continued inaction and the lack of a meaningful resolution despite their prolonged, peaceful and democratic efforts.
The interns said they had unanimously decided to intensify the ongoing movement and that no MBBS or BDS intern would undertake emergency-duty assignments as part of the protest until their legitimate demand was satisfactorily resolved.
“This is a collective decision of the MBBS and BDS intern community of Jammu & Kashmir, and not an individual or college-specific action,” the statement said, adding that interns from across the Union Territory remained united irrespective of their institution, district or batch.
The interns reiterated that their movement would remain peaceful, disciplined, democratic and united. They also appealed to fellow interns to remain calm, avoid confrontation and follow all applicable institutional procedures concerning patient safety, communication and the handover of responsibilities.
The statement further clarified that no individual intern, delegation or group had been authorised to negotiate or make commitments on behalf of the entire J&K intern community without consultation with the authorised representatives of the participating colleges.
The latest decision marks an escalation in the interns’ ongoing agitation over their stipend demand, with the protesting doctors maintaining that their legitimate demand has not received a satisfactory resolution despite repeated efforts.
“Further decisions and the subsequent course of action will be communicated only through the authorised representatives of the participating colleges,” the statement said.
The interns concluded their announcement with a reaffirmation of their collective position: “We stand united. We stand firm. We will continue until our legitimate demand is resolved.” [KNT]
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