Medical students protest in Jammu and Kashmir after professor ‘objected to burkinis in workroom’

Representative image only. File

Dozens of students at the Government Medical College (GMC), Doda, protested on Wednesday (30 Sep 2026) after a professor denied burqa-wearing students entry to the maternity ward, forcing the hospital administration to set up a committee to look into the matter.

The students, mostly interns at the hospital, boycotted work and gathered outside the hospital building to register their protest against a professor who allegedly asked burkini-wearing interns “to leave the delivery room on two consecutive days.”

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“Why are they asking us to avoid burqas? She openly says she doesn’t like burqas. We demand an apology from the doctor. She said those who wear burqas are involved in kand (unlawful activity),” said Iqra, a student.

Another student claimed that burqa-wearing interns are denied access not only to the maternity ward, but also to the professor’s room. “We told the professor if burqas are not allowed in the maternity ward, then we also banned long nails and other things. Why single out burqas?” said the student.

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Meanwhile, officials said the GMC, Doda, has set up a committee to look into the matter. A senior police officer also dealt with the protesting students. “These allegations need to be investigated first. We need to find out what is the protocol and whether an FIR needs to be lodged,” the officer said.

Meanwhile, Doda lawmaker Mehraj Malik said he has brought the issue to the attention of Health Minister Sakina Itoo. “I spoke to Mrs Itoo. The administration needs to act quickly,” Mr Malik said.

Published – 30 Sep 2026 22:36 IST