Students at Government Medical College Doda have staged a protest against harassment and restriction of burqa-clad students from entering the labour room in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.The students, mostly nursing trainees and interns associated with the gynecology department, complained that they were stopped from entering the labour room while wearing burqas and were asked to remove the attire or wear aprons instead. They described the conduct as harassment and questioned why their religious attire was being singled out.

The students said that the issue had occurred repeatedly. During a protest at the medical college on Wednesday, they demanded a fair inquiry and action if the allegations were found to be true. One of the protesters questioned the objection to the burqa, saying it was part of their identity and pride.The complaint reportedly concerns Dr Madhu Chib, Head of the Department of Gynaecology, who the students alleged did not allow burqa-clad students to enter the labour room. The allegations, however, have not been independently established and are now subject to the inquiry ordered by the college administration. 

The incident has also drawn the attention of Doda legislator Meraj Malik, who said he had raised the matter with Health Minister Sakina Itoo and called for the issue to be addressed. A senior police officer also reportedly spoke with the protesting students, saying the allegations and applicable protocol would first need to be examined. The controversy comes amid wider concerns over restrictions and discrimination faced by Muslim women over religious dress in India, where questions surrounding the wearing of hijab, abaya and burqa have repeatedly triggered disputes in educational and public institutions. 

The Doda incident has similarly raised concerns among students over their right to observe religious attire while pursuing medical training. In an order issued by the Medical Superintendent of GMC Doda, an eight-member inquiry committee has been constituted with Head of the Department of Physiology Dr Garima Charak as its chairperson. The Medical Superintendent has directed the panel to conduct a “free and fair inquiry” into the written complaint and submit its report within two days.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)