Sakina Itoo Backs Striking J&K Medical Interns, Says Their Demands Are Genuine
By : Sagar Reshi
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Health Minister Sakina Itoo on Friday said the demands of protesting medical interns were genuine and assured that the government was already working to address them. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Speaking to news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS), Itoo said the file concerning the interns’ demands was currently with the Finance Department and the government was working on the matter.
“The children met me too. I told them that your demand is genuine. We are helping you in this. You don’t need to go on strike,” she said.
The minister also criticised opposition parties for holding candlelight vigils in support of the protesting doctors, accusing them of showing “false sympathy” and politicising the issue.
“They are showing false sympathy. When they were in power, they couldn’t increase their salary by 5 paise. Today they are making hollow claims,” Itoo said.
Questioning the opposition’s record, she added, “When they had power, tell me what they have done for the interns. If they have done something, they should bring it forward.”
“They have been a failure for 15 years. We have been in the government for two years,” she said, questioning the opposition over issues including jobs, electricity, water and other development promises.
Itoo Reaffirms Commitment to Statehood
Itoo also reiterated the National Conference’s commitment to the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
She said the party would continue peaceful protests for the rights that, according to her, had been taken away from the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“We will continue to fight for the rights which were snatched from us. This is the voice of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” she said, referring to the recent protest held at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.
Itoo Visits Facility for Specially-Abled Children
Earlier on Friday, Itoo visited a facility run by noted social worker and Padma Shri awardee Javed Ahmad Tak and praised his work for specially-abled children.
“I was really happy to sit with these children. The team of Javed Tak is really commendable,” she said.
Itoo recalled that the foundation was established during the tenure of former Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra.
She praised the facilities developed by Tak and described his contribution to the children as significant.
The minister assured the institution of all possible government support through the Education and Social Welfare departments.
“We will definitely try to help you. Even if we talk about smart classes, we will definitely try to help you,” she said.
She added that the Social Welfare Department already provides support through the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) sector, particularly in cases involving children requiring nutritional assistance.
Itoo also advised the institution to apply for grant-in-aid from the Social Welfare Department to support better educational facilities for the children.
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