PUNE: Upset with the latest issue of The Lancet, a medical journal, after it published an editorial ‘Fear and uncertainty around Kashmir’s future’, the Pune Science community (PSC) has decided to register their disapproval with the journal in coming days. The world’s oldest and prestigious journal, published from London, in its latest issue published on August 17, took up the political stand.
It’s not only the PSC which was upset with it, even the Twitterati heavily trolled and criticised it.
A scientist at National Chemical Laboratory, Prabhakar Ingle, said, “We are going to show our displeasure to the journal. But I had some pertinent questions like how in the first place did this article get accepted to be published as it has nothing to do with health or health problems of Kashmiri people? Such journals publish research papers concerning the medical research, the future pathway etc. I wonder how it published a political one?” questioned Ingle.
Sharing the same feelings, a scientist at the National Centre for Cell Science, Yogesh Shouche, said, “Any sensible person will not agree with what The Lancet has published.”
“The very subject was not in the purview of the journal and thus we do not relate with it. I would appeal to the fraternity to write a letter to the journal expressing the displeasure,” Shouche said adding that the journal should have cover flood and its impact or the regime of the epidemic and not such an article which has nothing related to the medical field.
Faculty with Microbiology Department of Abasaheb Garware College, Prafulla Shede, said, “We need to check whether the journal had ever taken a stance about genocide or Balochi conflict in its previous issues. If the Central government has taken a decision, as a citizen you may have the right to voice your opinion. But this journal was dedicated to the medical field. The scope of every journal is defined and this particular journal fits into the medical one.
The editorial has no mention about the health or health-related issues of the Kashmiris backed with a medically carried study,” added Shede.
A city-based renowned scientist without divulging his name, said, “Such a journal publishing this article was in itself a wrong decision.
I think the medical fraternity should take up the issue vigorously as the journal has articles regarding medicine.”
He also added that the Central government has been informed about it.
REACTIONS ON TWITTER
Psychologist at the Dept of Neurology, SCTIMST Kerala, Gangadhara Sarma tweeted @sarmasg24: Ban lancet from INDIA. It’s just frustration showing Ex-colonial mindset towards India. We will not forgive what British did to great India. Divide and rule policy by British created this Pak- kashmir issue.
Gynaecologist-Obstetrician-Infertility-USG-Endoscopist DrGKT @DellDrgktazm tweeted Poor lancet world fame journal now became street journal n wants research papers on Kashmir such list of glorious history n now use to wipe nose.
