Protests erupt at GMC Srinagar over alleged blasphemous post

Srinagar, June 5: Protests broke out at the Government Medical College (GMC) here on Wednesday after a medical student allegedly posted a blasphemous display picture on a messaging app, sparking outrage among the students.

Officials said that dozens of students and several junior doctors participated in a peaceful demonstration within the GMC campus, demanding swift action against the accused student.

The controversy began when a medical student allegedly uploaded a display picture that was deemed offensive to one the religions. According to the protestors, they had initially given the student a three-hour ultimatum to remove the offending image, but the student refused to comply further escalating tensions.

The protesting students expressed their deep hurt and called for immediate disciplinary action against the student for hurting their religious sentiments.

"We had asked the student to remove the blasphemous image within three hours, but he refused. This is unacceptable, and we demand that the authorities take strict action against him,” they said.

Senior police officers visited the GMC campus to assess the situation and address the concerns of the protesting students. The officers assured the demonstrators that appropriate measures would be taken to address their grievances. Following these assurances, the students dispersed peacefully, avoiding any escalation of the protest.

In a swift response to the incident, the GMC authorities have formed an In-house Inquiry Committee (IIC) to investigate the matter thoroughly. The IIC will ascertain the full facts surrounding the incident and provide recommendations on the course of action to be taken against the accused student by the police.

"We will take necessary action based on the recommendations provided by the GMC's In-house Inquiry Committee. We urge all students to remain calm and cooperate with the ongoing investigation," Police 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. @srinagaradmin @SyedAbidShah,”GMC Srinagar posted on X.

“An enquiry comprising 13 HOD’s/HOU’s has been initiated for necessary action under rules.

All concerned are requested to maintain peace and tranquility in the campus.”