Health Minister ‘misbehaves’ with doc

Srinagar: Minster of Health and family welfare Sham Lal Sharma has been caught on the wrong foot for allegedly abusing a doctor for wearing a Islamic dress and spotting a beard. Sources told Greater Kashmir Dr Muhammad Ashraf has shot a letter to Congress president Sonia Gandhi stating that Health Minister misbehaved with him. “You are a criminal and you seem to be a fanatic Muslim wearing non sense Islamic dress and also growing a beard like a beast”, the letter quotes Sham Lal as having told the doctor. In the letter the doctor claims that there were enough witnesses as Sham Lal misbehaved with him in the latter’s office chambers.” He uttered these words with malicious intention of outraging the religious feelings of Muslims in general”, the letter says. Dr Ashraf has demanded an unconditional apology from the Health Minister. The Valley’s medical fraternity has written to the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah demanding an apology from the health minister. Dr Muhammad Ashraf, who is A-grade surgeon, had gone to minister with some suggestions on May 22. However, the minister, allegedly abused him and hurt his sentiments. Chairman of Hurriyat (G) Syed Ali Shah Geelani had issued a strong-worded statement last week against the alleged misbehavior of the minister with Dr Muhammad Ashraf. Sources said pressure is building up on the Chief Minister to act as there is every possibility of the issue snowballing into a major controversy. English news channel carried a detailed story about the alleged misbehavior of the minister with the doctor. The news channel also highlighted the almost complete collapse of health care especially in the Valley. This new controversy could lead to the ouster of Sham Lal from the cabinet as his detractors are already pressing the Congress high command to change him.