Mainstream politicians aghast

Srinagar, Feb 7: Minister of State for Health Shabir Ahmed Khan allegedly trying to outrage the modesty of a lady doctor has evoked sharp reaction from the political parties in Jammu and Kashmir.

Terming the incident as unfortunate, People Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti demanded the immediate arrest of the accused minister.

Talking to Precious Kashmir over phone, she said, “Khan should be arrested immediately. It is very unfortunate that police initially refused to lodge an FIR. She had to approach court for getting the FIR registered in the Police station,” she said.

“Police should take immediate action by arresting the accused so that Khan doesn’t mess up things,” she added.

Calling the Chief Minister’s tweet as “callous,” the PDP president said that the Chief Minister should have announced the resignation formally rather than tweeting. This is the grave issue and can’t be taken so lightly.

Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) strongly condemned the alleged molestation attempt by health minister Shabir Ahmad Khan. DAK has decided to suspend its routine work across Kashmir on Saturday Feb 8, 2014 and protest against this ghastly crime.

DAK President Dr Nissar Ul Hassan told Precious Kashmir that the lady doctor was forced to see the minister at his office chamber in the winter secretariat by his special secretary and private secretary where this ‘nymphomaniac minister’ tried to molest her.

“We are in a state of shock because of this beastly act. People have lost faith and trust in sacred institutions as the highest seat of a sacrosanct institution is a molester,” Hassan said.

He demanded that non-bailable warrant should be issued against the accused.

Senior National Conference Leader Mustafa Kamal termed the resignation of MoS Health as ‘Right thing’.

Kamal said: “Minister has done a right thing by stepping down.

The minister holds a top position in the government and the accusation of molesting a woman is a serious accusation.”

President of Awami Ittihaad Party (AIP) Er Rashid said that Khan’s resignation is not enough and he should be put behind the bars.  “The matter should be handed over to some credible agency for investigation,” he added.

“Congress cannot run away from the fact that it has been providing full patronage to those involved in scams. Most Congress Minister Peerzada Muhammad Sayeed, Taj Mohidin and Sham Lal Sharma are facing serious corruption charges,” he said.

Taking a dig at National Conference patron Dr Farooq Abdullah he said, “People want to know why didn’t Dr Farooq Abdullah resign for his involvement in the J&K Cricket Association scam where even after three months the police have not been able to produce the charge sheet despite completing the investigation.”

Er Rashid said that people of the state have a right to know from the Chief Minister that what happened to the media reports which had surfaced a few years back, revealing that a couple of NC ministers have managed to purchase property worth millions in Dubai.