{
  "id": 6275640,
  "title": "‘24 hours to explain’: Protesting medical interns in Kashmir served show-cause notices",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/24-hours-to-explain-protesting-medical-interns-in-kashmir-served-show",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-08T11:56:23.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express - India",
    "slug": "the-indian-express-india",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/india/kashmir-medical-interns-strike-stipend-hike-notice-omar-abdullah-10868659/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On the day following Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's assertion that the medical interns' protest is not in anyone's interest, two medical colleges in Kashmir have served show-cause notices to the protesting interns. The notices compel the interns to provide a reason within 24 hours as to why disciplinary action should not be taken against them. The notices, issued by the Principals of SKIMS Medical College and Government Medical College Anantnag, allege that the strike constitutes gross indiscipline and professional misconduct, warranting curtailment, temporary suspension, or even cancellation of internships. The SKIMS notice emphasizes that the interns had previously submitted affidavits promising they would not engage in any strike, court cases, or other acts of indiscipline. As per the notices, any CRMI (Compulsory Rotating Medical Intern) not attending their duties must explain their position within 24 hours; otherwise, their failure to provide an explanation will be presumed, and the matter will be dealt with strictly according to the applicable rules. The dispute arises from the medical interns' demand for a monthly stipend increase, currently set at Rs 12,500, to at least Rs 30,000. Despite both the government and opposition acknowledging the legitimacy of the demand, the opposition recently condemned the issuance of these notices. PDP leader Iltija Mufti, who joined the protests, expressed her disapproval of the government's actions, asserting that peaceful protests are a fundamental right in a democracy and questioning the government's double standards. She criticized the government for contradicting Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's earlier statement that the issue would be resolved promptly. Abdullah had previously stated that the issue should not have escalated to this point and reiterated his desire for an amicable resolution, emphasizing that the suffering of the interns and the disruption of their internships should be of utmost concern.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Medical interns in Kashmir receive show-cause notices from medical colleges.",
    "Notices demand explanation within 24 hours to avoid disciplinary action.",
    "Protesters demand monthly stipend increase from Rs 12,500 to Rs 30,000."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}