Srinagar, July 26 : The Principal of Government Medical College (GMC), Srinagar, Professor Dr. Iffat Hassan Shah, on Saturday held a meeting with Muhammad Saleem Pandit, President of the Press Club of Kashmir.
The meeting came in the wake of Wednesday’s incident, during which multiple media personnel were manhandled by agitating PG doctors as they attempted to cover the strike on the hospital premises. Muhammad Saleem Pandit and several journalists briefed Dr. Iffat about the misconduct and alleged physical assault, pointing out that at least three media professionals were attacked, and a police officer who intervened was also shoved aside by the protesting doctors.
Expressing deep concern over the episode, Dr. Iffat Shah assured the journalists that the conduct of the doctors would be scrutinised thoroughly. “The matter is under official inquiry by a government-appointed officer, and the treatment meted out to media persons will form an essential part of the inquiry’s terms of reference,” she said, adding that measures will be taken to avoid recurrence of such confrontations and to restore healthy coordination between the media and medical fraternity.
Also present at the meeting was the Deputy Superintendent of Police from the Shaheed Gunj police station. The journalists urged the officer to pursue legal proceedings against the assailants. It was also brought to light that certain Medical Representatives were seen backing the striking doctors, raising additional concerns.
The police official confirmed that preliminary investigations had already commenced and indicated that formal charges would be pursued. “Once identities are established and involvement confirmed, an FIR will be lodged against those responsible for the assault on journalists,” the officer said.
Despite the unfortunate incident, the meeting concluded on a reconciliatory note, with the media fraternity expressing its continued support for the healthcare system of Kashmir, while stressing the importance of mutual respect and professional cooperation in such sensitive environments. [KNT]
