Class work at Srinagar GMC, NIT suspended following protests over ‘blasphemy’

The authorities at City’s National Institute of Technology (NIT) too have announced suspension of class work on June 6 and said that undergraduate, post-graduate or PhD students residing outside will be allowed to enter the campus.

Strong contingents of police have been deployed outside the Srinagar campus of the University of Kashmir and several other educational institutions which the officials privately termed as a “precautionary measure” amid the tensions and anger in the student community over the alleged blasphemous social media post.

The officials at the GMC said that the student whose post was seen as being insulting to Islam’s Prophet Muhammad by fellow students and some faculty members has been suspended and a committee formed to probe the incident.

A statement issued by its management said that immediate cognisance of the matter was taken by the GMC Srinagar administration and pending enquiry the concerned individual has been suspended with immediate effect. It also said that a committee comprising 13 heads of departments and other officials has been set up “for necessary action under rules." It appealed to all concerned to maintain peace and tranquillity in the campus.

The Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) at the GMC Srinagar and associated hospitals had taken a strong exception to the alleged blasphemous post and said that it expresses its most fervent condemnation of the “deplorable act” by an undergraduate medical student. “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 which we hold dear.”

It further said, “The RDA resolutely asserts that such blasphemous conduct shall not be countenanced within the hallowed walls of our institution. Hence, we earnestly beseech the authorities to adopt a resolute stance and to mete out the most stringent measures against the transgressor.” It, however, also said that the association members stand unwaveringly in their commitment to uphold communal peace and to nurture an atmosphere of profound respect among all communities.

Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, the National Conference leader who has just been declared a winner on the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat, wrote on ‘X’, “This has become a habit of some students in different institutions of Srinagar to post disrespectful contents about the Prophet (SAWAW). The recent offence from a student in GMC Srinagar is a fresh example. These repeated offences cannot be tolerated in any civilised society."

He added, “We give due respect to the religious figures of other religions and we expect the people of other religions to be equally civilised. The Srinagar administration should take immediate action and book this offender immediately under law. A mere suspension of the student is not enough."

Cyber Police Kashmir had on Wednesday urged social-media users to refrain from sharing any provocative or inappropriate content from 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.

Meanwhile, the J&K police upon receiving a communication from the GMC Srinagar administration filed an FIR under sections 153,153A, 295A, 505 (2)(b) of the Indian Penal Code at the concerned police station.

The police have appealed to the people “to desist from spreading rumours or false information and said they must not “fall prey to false propaganda of anti-social elements”. The police have also warned of legal action against those who are found to be involved in provocative acts or instigation.