Medical students protest in Jammu and Kashmir after professor allegedly objects to burqas in labour room
Scores of students at the Government Medical College (GMC) in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir, staged a protest on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, after a professor allegedly denied entry to burqa-clad students in the labour room, prompting the hospital administration to set up a committee to examine the complaint.
Protest at GMC Doda
The demonstrators, comprising mostly interns, boycotted work and gathered outside the hospital building to voice their opposition to what they described as discriminatory treatment by a female professor. According to the students, the professor allegedly asked interns wearing burqas “to leave the labour room on two consecutive days.”
Allegations by students
Students said they were being pressured to remove their burqas, claiming the professor expressed a personal dislike for the garment. “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 intern alleged that those who wear burqas were being denied access not only to the labour room but also to the professor’s office. “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?” the student said.
Administrative and police response
Hospital officials said the GMC administration has constituted a committee to look into the students’ allegations. A senior police officer also met the protesting students to assess the situation. “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.
Political outreach
Doda legislator Mehraj Malik said he had taken up the issue with Jammu and Kashmir Health Minister Sakina Itoo. “I have spoken to Ms. Itoo. The administration must act swiftly,” Mr. Malik said.
What happens next
The inquiry committee at GMC Doda is expected to review statements and relevant protocols before determining next steps. Authorities have indicated that any further action, including a possible police case, would depend on the committee’s findings and established hospital procedures.
The protest highlights simmering tensions around attire and access in clinical settings, with students calling for clarity and fairness in enforcement while the administration moves to establish the facts and address the grievance.
