J&K Students Association slams MLA Doda for intimidating doctors; says ethics committee member acted unethically

• Demands public apology from MLA for abusing medical staff at GMC Doda 

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association on Saturday expressed deep concern and outrage over the appalling conduct of Aam Admi Party's MLA Doda Mehraj Malik at Government Medical College (GMC), Doda. In a statement, National Convenor of the Association Nasir Khuehami said, “We stand in full solidarity with the doctors, paramedical staff, and the Principal of GMC Doda, who have shown remarkable professionalism and dignity in the face of intimidation and abuse.

”He stated that the MLA has visited the hospital on multiple occasions, using threatening and abusive language toward the medical staff, including senior doctors and the Principal. He even barged into the labour room and directed highly derogatory and gendered threats at a female doctor, including statements such as “Nanga Kar Dunga” and “Ghasitoo Gaa.” Such vile and dehumanizing remarks are utterly unacceptable and demand immediate accountability

.“It is especially shocking that such behaviour has come from a sitting member of the State Assembly who also holds a position on its Ethics Committee,” Khuehami added. “This blatant abuse of power, laced with intimidation, has created a hostile and unsafe environment for healthcare workers who are the backbone of our public health system. Instead of upholding dignity and supporting institutions that serve the public, the MLA’s conduct has eroded trust, morale, and the sense of security within the hospital.

”The Association also took serious note of allegations that the MLA attempted to publicly name and shame doctors with the intent to discredit them and disrupt hospital operations. This appears to be a deliberate effort to create public mistrust in medical professionals and undermine their critical work.Khuehami further said that the response of the hospital staff has been commendable. However, such incidents cannot be allowed to pass without consequence.

“The law must apply uniformly, even to lawmakers. No public servant should be subjected to humiliation or threats for political optics. Acts of intimidation and abuse by those in power set a dangerous precedent and must be met with firm institutional and legal action,” he said.He urged Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to take swift and appropriate action in this matter.

“A public apology from the MLA is the minimum that is expected, but more importantly, there must be an impartial investigation and accountability to ensure that such behaviour is never repeated,” he emphasized.“Our healthcare professionals deserve respect, protection, and support, not abuse,” he added.