Protests erupt at GMC Srinagar over alleged blasphemous post

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.