BS RAWAT
NEW DELHI : Renowned British medical journal 'The Lancet' is facing a backlash from the Indian Medical Association (IMA) for its editorial on Kashmir, where it described India’s move on the Valley as controversial and raised concerns about health, security and freedom of people in the region.

IMA has written to the Editor-in-Chief The Lancet, “We wish to question the credibility and the malafide intention behind the uncalled for editorial on Kashmir. IMA on behalf of the medical fraternity of India withdraws the esteem we had for The Lancet.”

“It is unfortunate that the reputed medical journal The Lancet has committed breach of propriety in commenting on this political issue. It is amounting to interference in an internal matter of Union of India. The Lancet has no locus standi on the issue of Kashmir. Kashmir issue is a legacy that the British Empire left behind,” the doctors’ top body said.

Dr. Santanu Sen, IMA National President, stated, “The Lancet has reacted to an internal administrative decision of Government of India under the garb of concern for the health of Kashmiris. Indian Medical Association, baptised in the fire of freedom struggle, condemns this unsolicited intrusion into the affairs of the Sovereign Republic of India.”

He said, “Generations of Indians, especially the doctors and medical students, will carry the unpleasant memory of this act of commission by The Lancet.”

Orthopedic surgeon, specialist and author of many medical journals, Prof. Raju Vaishya, pointed out, “We firmly believe that this editorial was out of context for The Lancet medical journal, as it was written in bad taste, with a political and racial angle. It had nothing to do with the aims and scope of this journal.”

He added, “It has also hurt the sentiments of billions of Indians across the world. Hence, it would be appropriate if this article is retracted without any delay and urge to refrain from publishing such articles in the future.”