Srinagar, Sept 23: A delegation of the Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) met protesting veterinary students in Kashmir on Wednesday and urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene in their long-pending demand for enhancement of internship stipend at SKUAST-Jammu and SKUAST-Kashmir.

According to a JKSA press statement, the delegation, led by National Convenor Nasir Khuehami, included National Spokesperson Dr Zubair Reshi, Central Kashmir Coordinator Sameer Yousuf and other members.

The association said the veterinary students have been protesting for nearly three years, with a proposal for enhancement of their stipend reportedly pending with the Finance Department since 2023.

JKSA said veterinary interns currently receive ₹6,000 per month for six months and ₹9,000 per month for the remaining six months, with the additional ₹3,000 during the latter period contributed by ICAR. The students have sought revision of the stipend in view of the clinical, field and community responsibilities involved in their mandatory internship.

Khuehami said the issue required urgent attention and urged the government to convene a meeting involving the protesting students, SKUAST-Jammu, SKUAST-Kashmir and the Finance Department to resolve the matter.

The association also referred to a Veterinary Council of India communication dated May 19, 2026, which, according to the students, had taken up the issue of stipend enhancement with the concerned authorities.

JKSA said it would remain in touch with the students and concerned departments until the matter receives due consideration.(KINS)