Srinagar, Nov 27(KNS): The Bandipora Journalists Association (BJA) and the Sonawari Journalists Association (SJA) issue their strongest joint condemnation of the shocking intimidation, abuse of authority, and death threats directed at senior journalist Suhail Rather by officials associated with District Hospital Bandipora.
On 27 November, Suhail Rather visited the District Hospital Bandipora with his seven-month-old infant daughter for essential medical care. Upon reaching the injection room, he found no qualified medical staff present, with only a few interns attending the section—an alarming lapse in patient safety.
Acting as any responsible parent and citizen, he informed the Medical Superintendent, Dr. Mukhtar, about the absence of staff. Instead of addressing this serious negligence, the Medical Superintendent responded with aggressive behaviour, hostility, and threats for merely highlighting a genuine public health concern.
The situation took an even more disturbing turn when Suhail Rather received a phone call from an individual identifying himself as an Administrative Officer, who said:
“Mukhtar Sahib has shared your number. I will kill you in a day or two for harassing Mukhtar Sahib and reporting against the hospital.”
Such direct death threats, issued in connection with a legitimate act of journalistic accountability, represent a criminal act, a blatant misuse of power, and a grave attack on the freedom of the press.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThreatening a journalist while he was seeking treatment for his infant child exposes a shocking level of impunity within the hospital administration.
A formal complaint, supported by audio evidence, has been submitted to the offices of the Deputy Commissioner Bandipora and the Senior Superintendent of Police Bandipora.
Both BJA and SJA demand:
Immediate suspension of Dr. Mukhtar, Medical Superintendent, District Hospital Bandipora
Registration of an FIR against the Medical Superintendent and the caller involved in criminal intimidation
A high-level, time-bound inquiry into administrative lapses and the culture of harassment within the institution
Strong action to restore accountability, transparency, and safety for both patients and journalists
The journalist community of Bandipora and Sonawari stands united and will not tolerate threats or attempts to silence the media. We urge the Lieutenant Governor’s Administration, the Health & Medical Education Department, and senior police authorities to intervene immediately and ensure justice, safety, and lawful action.(KNS).