Medical students protest in Jammu and Kashmir after professor ‘objects to burqas in labour room’
Medical students at a government college in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir, protested after a professor allegedly barred students wearing burqas from entering the labour room. The hospital administration has formed a committee to investigate the discrimination claims.
Why it matters
The incident underscores sensitive debates regarding religious attire in professional medical settings and potential institutional discrimination.
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.
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