Srinagar, Nov 27: The Bandipora Journalists Association registers its strongest protest against the targeted intimidation and death threats directed at our colleague, journalist Suhail Rathet, by officials associated with the District Hospital Bandipora. This egregious incident represents a severe assault on press freedom and an attempt to stifle legitimate public accountability.
On 27 November, our colleague Suhail Rathet visited the District Hospital Bandipora with his seven-month-old infant daughter for necessary medical care. Upon arriving at the designated injection room, he discovered a complete absence of qualified medical staff, with only interns present. Driven by legitimate concern for his child’s welfare, he brought this critical lapse to the attention of the Medical Superintendent, Dr. Mukhtar.
The response from the Medical Superintendent was not remedial but retaliatory, involving threats of dire consequences for merely reporting the negligence. The situation escalated into outright criminal intimidation when Suhail Rather subsequently received a call from an individual who identified himself as an Administrative Officer.
The caller explicitly stated, “Mukhtar Sahib has shared your number. I will kill you in a day or two for harassing Mukhtar Sahib and reporting against the hospital.”
This sequence of events from the initial negligence to the threats issued by a senior official and an accomplice reveals a deeply entrenched culture of impunity and a blatant misuse of authority. Threatening a journalist for highlighting a public health issue, especially while he was caring for an infant, is an unacceptable violation of both ethical standards and the law.
The BJA categorically demands the immediate suspension of Dr. Mukhtar, Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Bandipora, pending a comprehensive and transparent investigation. We further demand the immediate registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against the Medical Superintendent and the unidentified caller for criminal intimidation and endangerment. A high-level inquiry must also be initiated to address the systemic administrative and operational failures within the institution.
A formal complaint, supported by audio evidence, has been submitted to the offices of the Deputy Commissioner and the Senior Superintendent of Police in Bandipora. The BJA will not stand idly by while its members are threatened for performing their professional duties.
We call upon the Lieutenant Governor’s Administration, J&K Govt and senior police officials to intervene immediately to ensure the safety of our colleague and to uphold the principles of justice and free speech in Jammu and Kashmir.
Endorsed by:
President, Bandipora Journalists Association
General Secretary, Bandipora Journalists Association
