Police Intensify Hospital Searches Across Kashmir Valley
For the past two weeks, police teams accompanied by camerapersons have been conducting extensive searches through hospital corridors in Jammu and Kashmir, systematically examining lockers and storage spaces allocated to medical professionals. The visual evidence of these operations quickly circulates on social media platforms, drawing significant public attention and raising concerns within the medical community.
Terror Module Connection Triggers Security Operation
These security measures stem from the investigation into the inter-state Ansar Ghazwatul Hind module allegedly involved in the recent Red Fort blast in Delhi. The module reportedly included four doctors, three of whom hail from Kashmir. During the ongoing probe, investigators made a significant discovery at Government Medical College in Anantnag, where they seized a rifle from a locker previously assigned to Dr Adeel Ahmad Rather, one of the accused in the blast case.
Officials revealed that although Dr Rather left GMC Anantnag approximately one year ago, he never formally surrendered possession of his allocated locker. This discovery has prompted authorities to expand their search operations across medical facilities throughout the region.
Medical Community Voices Strong Opposition
The sweeping nature of these searches has generated considerable discontent among healthcare professionals. A senior doctor from a major Srinagar hospital expressed frustration, stating, "We understand the security imperatives, but what message do these dramatic, camera-ready raids broadcast about all medical professionals? Are they suggesting we're all potential militants?"
Many doctors argue that if security checks were genuinely necessary, they could have been conducted discreetly without transforming them into public spectacles. Women doctors have particularly highlighted concerns about privacy invasion during these operations.
Even within law enforcement circles, questions are emerging about the methodology. A senior police officer stationed in Srinagar commented, "Doctors represent society's elite. By publicly humiliating them, we're sending the wrong message not just to the medical community but to the general public. We risk breeding animosity that could prove counterproductive to our objectives."
Official Responses and Continuing Operations
Police authorities maintain that the searches will continue until every locker is properly accounted for, with the possibility of surprise inspections becoming a regular feature. A police official noted that hospital administrations are providing full cooperation, with medical superintendents personally accompanying search teams during these operations.
Meanwhile, J&K Health Minister Sakeena Itoo has expressed concern about the blanket targeting of the medical fraternity and indicated she would direct the Health Secretary to establish proper standard operating procedures for such security operations.
In a related development, police conducted city-wide inspections at mosques and madrassas in Srinagar on Thursday as part of the broader crackdown against individuals and networks associated with terrorist organizations. The security situation in the region remains tense as investigations continue into the terror module with medical professional connections.
