Srinagar, Sept. 4 -- The Jammu and Kashmir government failed to persuade the striking medical interns to call off their agitation on Friday, as a meeting between the health minister Sakina Itoo and representatives of the protesting MBBS and BDS interns remained inconclusive.

The interns working in the government hospitals of J&K went on strike on August 31, demanding an increase in their monthly stipends, which they claim are among the 'lowest in the country'.

The interns are currently paid Rs.12,300 a month and are demanding an increase to Rs.30,000.

Itoo and representatives of the protesting interns met in Srinagar on Friday to resolve the issue.

"The health minister assured us that within a month there will be an enhancement in the...