The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — Doctors and MBBS students of GMC Srinagar on Saturday staged peaceful protests in Srinagar against the brutal assault on a female doctor in Kolkata.

Doctors supporting the call of the Indian Medical Association for a nationwide withdrawal of medical services protested at GMC Srinagar and demanded justice.

They told the news agency KNO that the safety of doctors, especially young medical professionals who are the backbone of the healthcare system and the future of the country's healthcare, is of paramount importance and there can be no compromise on it.

They said that new rules must be passed and effectively implemented to guarantee that doctors feel safe and secure in their workplaces.

"We express utmost solidarity with the departed soul. The incident, the improper investigation as well as the violence seen in the aftermath is a devastating tragedy not just for the medical community but for the entire nation and further highlights the dismal condition of doctors' and women's safety in our society,” said a protesting doctor.

He said that the government must take steps to provide foolproof security facilities to the doctors, especially those working during night hours.

A female doctor said that due to such incidents, they fear working night shifts and there is a need for the government to come out with a comprehensive security plan inside the hospitals. She said that exemplary action must be taken against the accused persons so that such incidents won't come to the fore again.

At the GMC auditorium, a two-minute silence was held to express solidarity with the victim.

The protesting doctors stressed GMC administration to take strict action to enhance the security for doctors, especially resident doctors.

They demanded urgent dispensation of justice to the accused in the case, implementation of Central Protection Act, immediate implementation of enhanced security measures in GMC Srinagar and its associated hospitals including 24x7 deployment of security personnel at all hospital checkpoints, indoor wards and OTs, enforcement of gate pass system for attendants and institutional FIR in the event of any violence against doctors and staff on duty.

It is in place to mention here that the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9 has caused nationwide outrage, sparking protests by doctors across the country. During a demonstration against the heinous crime in the early hours of August 15, a mob ransacked parts of the hospital.

SRINAGAR — The Srinagar Police have taken action regarding a recent incident involving the posting of sensitive content against the religious sentiments of a particular community by a student from Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar.

As per the statement issued here, upon receiving a formal communication from the GMC Srinagar administration, the police registered a criminal case, FIR No. 13/24, under sections 153, 153A, 295A, and 505 (2) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at Police Station Karan Nagar on June 6, 2024.

The authorities have appealed to the public to refrain from spreading rumours or false information. They urged everyone not to fall prey to the false propaganda of anti-social elements, warning that legal action will be taken against those found involved in provocative acts or instigation.

Won’t allow anyone to hurt religious sentiments in Kashmir: IGP V K Birdi

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir V K Bhirdi on Thursday said that police have taken strong note of the posting of sensitive content against religious sentiments at Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar and strict action will be taken against those found involved in hurting the religious sentiments of any community.

Talking to the news agency KNO exclusively at PCR Srinagar, IGP Kashmir said that J&K Police respects all religions and people belonging to various sects and faiths. “We have taken strong note of the incident (at GMC Srinagar). The case has been registered and investigations are going on,” he said.

The IGP requested the people of Kashmir not to fall prey to rumours having the potential to trigger a law and order situation. “We will not allow vested interests to damage the communal fabric in Kashmir,” he said.

Meanwhile, police said that after the posting of sensitive content against the religious sentiments of a particular community by a student of GMC Srinagar, a criminal case, FIR number 13/24 under sections 153, 153-A, 295-A, 505 (2) IPC has been registered at Police Station Karanagar on June 6, 2024.

“Common public is appealed to desist from spreading rumours/false information. They shouldn’t fall prey to false propaganda of anti-social elements. Legal action shall be taken against those found involved in provocative act/instigation,” the police said.

SRINAGAR — The Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar on Thursday ordered the suspension of undergraduate classes from June 6 to June 8.

According to the news agency Kashmir Scroll, the Registrar of Academics at GMC Srinagar in an order said that undergraduate classes shall remain suspended from June 6 to June 8, 2024.

Notably, the GMC on Wednesday on microblogging site X said, “Apropos certain reports from GMC Srinagar, it is to inform that immediate cognisance of the matter was taken by GMC Srinagar administration. Pending enquiry, the concerned individual has been suspended with immediate effect.”

“An enquiry comprising 13 HODs/HOUs has been initiated for necessary action under the rules. All concerned are requested to maintain peace and tranquillity in the campus,” the GMC said.

SRINAGAR — Protests erupted at the Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar on Wednesday following an alleged blasphemous post against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

According to eyewitnesses, who spoke to the news agency KNO, students at GMC Srinagar, along with junior doctors, staged a protest against a non-local student who purportedly posted a blasphemous image on a messaging app.

A doctor said the student was given an ultimatum to remove the offensive post within three hours, which he refused, leading to protests.

One of the protestors said they stand against any form of religious intolerance but cannot tolerate insults directed at Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) under any circumstance. They demanded swift and stringent action against the offending student to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Resident Doctors Association (RDA) of GMC Srinagar issued a notice condemning the blasphemous act and urging authorities to take decisive action.

"The RDA of Government Medical College, Srinagar, strongly condemns the deplorable act of blasphemy committed by an undergraduate medical student of our institution," the notice stated, adding, “Such an egregious transgression not only grievously hurts the religious sensibilities of many but also imperils the very fabric of societal harmony and mutual respect, which we hold dear.”

“Such blasphemous behaviour is not tolerated within our institution. Therefore, we urge the authorities to take strict measures against the transgressor (sic),” the association said. “In solidarity, we stand unwavering in our commitment to uphold communal peace and to nurture an atmosphere of profound respect among all communities.”

Following the incident, the GMC Srinagar administration suspended the student involved in the alleged blasphemous act, pending an inquiry.

A committee comprising 13 Heads of Departments/Heads of Units has been formed to investigate the matter and take necessary actions in accordance with the rules, the administration said, adding that all parties involved are urged to maintain calm during this process.