by: Khalid Bashir Gura
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Police have filed a First Information Report (FIR) against a medical student at the Government Medical College, Srinagar, for allegedly posting blasphemous content against the prophet of Islam.
The FIR was registered under Sections 153, 153A, 295A, and 505(2) of the Indian Penal Code, about promoting enmity, disharmony based on religion, malicious acts to insult religious beliefs, and circulating alarming news, respectively.
A police spokesperson stated, “The police have taken cognisance of the incident involving the posting of sensitive content against the religious sentiments of a particular community by a student of GMC, Srinagar. The public is urged to refrain from spreading rumours or false information and to avoid falling prey to the false propaganda of anti-social elements. Legal action will be taken against those found involved in provocative acts or instigation.”
The police’s intervention follows a protest by hundreds of students at the GMC, Srinagar, alleging that a non-local student posted “blasphemous remarks” on social media and “refused to remove them despite several requests.”
Student suspended
A spokesperson from GMC, Srinagar, announced the immediate suspension of the concerned individual pending inquiry.
“An enquiry comprising 13 HODs/HOUs has been initiated for necessary action under the rules. All concerned are requested to maintain peace and tranquillity on the campus.”
The Resident Doctors Association (RDA), GMC, Srinagar, described the student’s action as “a deplorable act of blasphemy.” They added, “Such an egregious transgression not only grievously wounds the religious sensibilities of many but also imperils the very fabric of societal harmony and mutual respect.”
Classwork halted
Following the campus witnessed protests over an alleged blasphemous social media post, on Thursday morning, the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Srinagar suspended the classwork for PG, UG and PHD students. “The classwork in the Institute shall remain suspended on 06.06.2024 (Thursday). No UG/PG/PhD student, residing outside, will be allowed to enter the campus,” reads an order issued by the NIT administration.
Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar also ordered the suspension of undergraduate classwork till June 8. “It is hereby ordered that undergraduate classes shall remain suspended from 6th to 8th June 2024,” reads an order issued by the GMC administration.
Ruhullah Reacts
National Conference (NC) leader Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, who was elected as a Member of Parliament from Srinagar, urged the Srinagar administration “to take immediate action and book this offender immediately under law. A mere suspension of the student is not enough.”
“This has become a habit of some students in different institutions of Srinagar to post disrespectful content about the Prophet. The recent offence from a student in GMC Srinagar is a fresh example. These repeated offences cannot be tolerated in any civilised society. We give due respect to the religious figures of other religions and we expect the people of other religions to be equally civilised,” Ruhullah said.
MMU Condemns Incident
The Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulama-J&K, a conglomerate of religious bodies led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, said such an incident was “unacceptable”. “Such blasphemous remarks will not be tolerated. The authorities should investigate the matter thoroughly to find out if it is a deliberate attempt to instigate and hurt the religious feelings of the Muslims and take stern action accordingly,” the MMU spokesman said.
He said the hallmark of a certain hate-based ideological movement in India “was spreading its tentacles in J&K that has always upheld religious coexistence and respect for all faiths”. “This plot will not be allowed to succeed,” the spokesman said.
Director NIT speaks too
Meanwhile, the Director National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar Prof A Ravinder Nath strongly condemned any act or incident that may hurt the religious sentiments of any community.
Prof Nath stated, “We believe that mutual respect and understanding are essential for a peaceful and productive learning environment. We at NIT Srinagar Institute take our commitment to the safety, security, careers and future of our students very seriously,” he said.
Director NIT Srinagar said that they are constantly working to ensure the safety and well-being of all members of the NIT fraternity.
“In line with our commitment to these values, we have resolved to include student representation on official committees constituted henceforth to prevent any adverse events that disturb the peaceful atmosphere in our campus,” he said.
Prof A Ravinder Nath said that the Institute has a zero-tolerance policy for any act or incident that causes harm to religious sentiments or disrupts a safe learning environment.
“We are committed to taking commensurate and appropriate action against those found involved in such incidents, both in the past and going ahead. It is reiterated that this Institute does not and will not extend any unwarranted leniency in such matters,” he said.
Director NIT Srinagar urged all our students to adhere to the strict code of conduct with a focus on their education and thus work towards building a brighter future with humane sensitivities and values of life.
“By working together, we are confident we can create a more harmonious, respectful and inclusive environment for everyone at NIT Srinagar,” he added.
IGP Ensures Harmony
The Inspector General of Police, Kashmir Zone, V K Birdi said that the police is committed to maintaining religious harmony and would not allow anyone to hurt the sentiments of any community.
Speaking to reporters, the IGP said, “The police are not only sensitive to all matters related to all religions but also have full respect for religious matters. We are sensitive and sincere in matters related to law and order.”
The IGP made it clear that the police will not tolerate any attempts to harm the beliefs or matters related to any religion or sect. “We cannot allow any person or persons to try to harm the beliefs and matters related to any religion or sect,” he asserted.
The IGP further informed that timely action has already been taken in recent incidents, with cases being registered and investigations ongoing. “Timely action has been taken and a case has been registered, the responsible action of which is going on,” he said.
Birdi also issued a strong warning to those found violating the law, stating that strict legal action would be taken against any person or group found guilty of disrupting communal peace.
JKSA calls for peace
The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association urged everyone to maintain calm and refrain from engaging in any form of violence or retaliation.
Cyber Cell urges responsible online behaviour
Cyber Police Kashmir had urged social-media users to refrain from sharing any provocative or inappropriate content from their respective handles to maintain social-media hygiene crucial for a safe and orderly environment.
“Attention, social media users: Please refrain from sharing any provocative or inappropriate content from your handles. Maintaining social media hygiene is crucial for a safe, orderly environment,” it said in a post on ‘X’. It added that any post in conflict with cyber laws will be dealt with swiftly and effectively as per legal norms and appealed for keeping “our digital space safe and respectful.” the police said.
