Srinagar, July 8: Police on Friday detained three junior doctors of Government Medical College here for allegedly distributing pamphlets asking students and teaching faculty not to participate in music and dance programme in connection with institutes’ Golden Jubilee celebration function on Saturday.
 A group of doctors told Greater Kashmir that soon after the Friday prayers were over in the campus, some junior doctors started distributing these pamphlets. The pamphlets titled "Golden Jubilee-Time to Introspect," carried the information about refraining from music and dance celebrations in the backdrop of religion and culture. It advised students and faculty of GMC to desist from such activities.
 “Soon the policemen from Kara Nagar Police Station appeared in the campus and whisked away three junior doctors to the police station. They are still detained there,” a doctor said.
 “Nowhere is freedom of expression so squeezed as in Kashmir. Every individual has a right to express their opinion,” the doctor added.
 The doctors said the swift action by police was most driven by the fear of embarrassment. “Chief Minister was the chief guest on the golden jubilee function on Saturday. So it seems police is concerned more about to save itself from getting unsettled if anything untoward happens during the occasion. Otherwise the action is uncalled for. Its too panicky reaction,” the doctor said.     
 Otherwise, they said, the pamphlet was just giving advices, not issuing any warning to them of dire consequences.    
 “We do not know how college authorities have allowed them (police) to pick doctors from inside the college premises,” doctors said.
 Principal GMC, Dr Shahida Mir could not be reached despite several attempts.
 Police official said they picked up the doctors after GMC authorities intimated them about the pamphlets.
 “Some doctors were pasting pamphlets and spreading unacceptable messages on the eve of golden jubilee function. There was apprehension that such information could have vitiated the campus atmosphere,” official said. “Hence we picked them up”.
 SSP City, Syed Ashiq Bukhari said three persons were picked for committing some offence in GMC. “We have taken them into custody for some offence,” Bukhari said. However, he did not divulged details as to why they were detained.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 8 Jul 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 8 Jul 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 9 Jul 2011 00:00:00 IST