MFA protests against killing of civilians in Kashmir Valley

Dressed in white aprons with one eye blind-folded showing solidarity with patients who have lost their vision to the pellet injuries, the doctors staged peaceful sit-in in the lawns of Government Medical College.

Srinagar, Aug 10 :  Faculty members of Jammu and Kashmir government-run medical and dental colleges today staged a sit-in here to protest against the killing of civilians during the ongoing unrest in the Valley and demanded an immediate end to the use of pellet guns. Dressed in white aprons with one eye blind-folded showing solidarity with patients who have lost their vision to the pellet injuries, the doctors staged peaceful sit-in in the lawns of Government Medical College.

“We are staging the demonstration to condemn the killing of civilians and press for an immediate ban on the use of the pellet guns by the law enforcing agencies,” Medical Faculty Association (MFA) said. It said despite repeated concerns by specialist doctors from the Valley and outside, the unabated use of pellet guns continued which led to injuries to eyes and vital organs. Kashmir Valley is on the boil since July 9, a day after Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed in an encounter with security forces in Anantnag district of south Kashmir. (ALSO READ: Curfew, restrictions remain in force in Kashmir Valley )

The widespread protests claimed the lives of 55 people and left over 6000 injured, with hundreds hit by pellets in their eyes as a result of which, doctors say, a number of youths have lost their eye sight. MFA also condemned the use of teargas shells in and around hospital premises in the Valley and said the practice was detrimental to the well being of admitted patients. Lauding the never-tiring efforts of doctors, paramedical staff, volunteers and blood donors, the association appealed to all those concerned to ensure a safe passage to the ambulances carrying the hospital staff and patients.