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Classes suspended at Srinagar GMC and NIT after protests over ‘blasphemy’

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Srinagar: Classes at the Government Medical College (GMC) in Srinagar have been suspended until Saturday following protests on campus over an allegedly blasphemous social media post reportedly by a non-local student.

Authorities at the city’s National Institute of Technology (NIT) also announced a suspension of classes on June 6 and said that bachelor’s, master’s and PhD students residing outside the city would be allowed to enter the campus.

Large police contingents were deployed outside the University of Kashmir campus in Srinagar and several other educational institutions in what officials privately described as a “precautionary measure” amid tensions and anger among the student body over the alleged blasphemous social media post.

GMC officials said the student, whose post was viewed by fellow students and some faculty members as an insult to the Islamic prophet Muhammad, had been suspended and a committee had been set up to investigate the incident.
A statement from the management said that the GMC Srinagar administration had immediately looked into the matter and pending the completion of the investigation, the person concerned had been suspended with immediate effect. It also said that a committee comprising 13 heads of departments and other officials had been constituted “to take necessary action as per rules”. All concerned were asked to maintain peace and quiet on the campus.
The Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) of GMC Srinagar and its affiliated hospitals had strongly opposed the allegedly blasphemous post and said that it strongly condemned the “deplorable act” of a medical student. “Such an outrageous transgression not only deeply hurts the religious sensibilities of many people but also jeopardises the foundation of social harmony and mutual respect that is so dear to us.”
It added: “The RDA firmly reiterates that such blasphemous behaviour will not be tolerated within the sacred walls of our institution. We therefore urge the authorities to take a firm stance and take the strictest action against the offender.” However, it also said that the association’s members remain steadfast in their commitment to maintaining peace in the community and promoting an atmosphere of deep respect among all communities.
Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, the leader of the National Conference, who was just declared the winner of the Srinagar parliamentary seat, wrote on ‘X’: “It has become a habit for some students at various institutions of Srinagar to post disrespectful content about the Prophet (SAWAW). The recent offence by a student at GMC Srinagar is a new example. Such repeated offence cannot be tolerated in any civilised society.”

He added, “We pay due respect to religious figures of other religions and expect people of other religions to behave in an equally civilised manner. The Srinagar administration should take immediate action and prosecute this offender immediately. Mere suspension of the student is not enough.”

Kashmir Cyber ​​Police on Wednesday urged social media users not to share provocative or inappropriate content from their respective handles to maintain social media hygiene, which is crucial for a safe and orderly environment.
“Attention social media users: Please refrain from sharing provocative or inappropriate content on your handles. Maintaining social media hygiene is crucial for a safe, orderly environment,” a post on “X” said. It added that any post violating cyber laws will be dealt with swiftly and effectively as per legal norms and urged people to “keep our digital space safe and respectful,” police said.

Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Police, on receiving a notice from the GMC Srinagar administration, filed an FIR under Sections 153, 153A, 295A and 505 (2)(b) of the Indian Penal Code with the concerned police station.

The police appealed to the public to “refrain from spreading rumours or false information” and said they should not fall victim to the false propaganda of anti-social elements. The police also threatened legal action against those involved in provocations or incitement.

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