Medical students protest in Jammu and Kashmir after professor ‘objects to burqas in labour room’

Scores of students at the Government Medical College (GMC), Doda, protested on Wednesday (September 30, 2026) after a professor denied burqa clad students’ entry to the labour room, forcing the hospital administration to set up a committee to look into the matter. 

Students, mostly interns at the hospital, boycotted work and assembled outside the hospital building to register their protest against the female professor, who allegedly asked interns in burqas “to leave the labour room on two consecutive days”.

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“Why are we being asked to shun the burqa? She openly says she dislikes burqas. We demand an apology from the doctor. She said those who wear burqas are taking part in a kand (unlawful activity),” said Iqra, a student. 

Another student alleged that interns who wear burqas are not only denied access to the labour room but also to the professor’s room. “We did tell the professor if burqa was not allowed inside the labour room, then ban long nails and other things too. 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 held talks with protesting students. “These allegations need to be looked into first. We need to see what the protocol is and if there is a need to file a FIR,” the officer said.

Meanwhile, Doda legislator Mehraj Malik said he raised the issue with Health Minister Sakina Itoo. “I have spoken to Ms. Itoo. The administration must act swiftly,” said Mr. Malik.