Srinagar: In the wake of the November 10 car bombing near Delhi's Red Fort that resulted in 15 fatalities and over 20 injuries, prominent doctors' forums in Jammu and Kashmir have united to condemn the act. The blast, which preliminary investigations suggest was a possible suicide attack, has been labeled a terrorist act by the Indian government.
The Medical Faculty Association (MFA) of Government Medical and Dental College Srinagar voiced its profound grief and expressed solidarity with the bereaved families, denouncing the attack as "agonisingly painful and deeply disturbing". The MFA asserted that such acts have no place in a civilized society. They further conveyed their concern regarding reports alleging the involvement of medical professionals, deeming it a desecration of the sanctity of the medical profession and reaffirmed their commitment to saving lives and serving humanity above all else.
Echoing similar sentiments, the Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) condemned the tragic loss of innocent lives. DAK conveyed the medical community's deep concern over the potential involvement of individuals linked to the profession in the bombing. The association urged authorities to ensure that anyone found guilty faces justice, while affirming that acts of violence will not diminish the fraternity's resolve to heal, protect, and serve.
The Society of Consultant Doctors (SCD) JK mirrored these concerns, expressing sorrow over the deaths and describing the alleged involvement of medical personnel as a severe breach of the ethics of healing. SCD conveyed its confidence in the justice system and demanded strict legal action against anyone proven guilty and appealed to the public to remain calm, vigilant, and united against forces promoting extremism.
The strong condemnation from the doctors' bodies follows reports that a Pulwama-based doctor, Umar Mohammed, is suspected to have been the driver of the vehicle used in the explosion. Investigations have revealed possible links between Umar and a larger network of doctors from Faridabad and Kashmir, with connections to foreign handlers.
Intelligence agencies are uncovering details of a broader transnational terror network, including the procurement of explosives and remote triggering devices. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken several individuals into custody, including doctors from Pulwama, Anantnag, and Shopian in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh.
The Lieutenant Governor of Delhi has directed police to maintain digital records of ammonium nitrate sales and enhance security measures. This directive comes after investigators determined that the blast was likely caused by ammonium nitrate fuel oil and other explosives.
