BJP seeks probe into death of mother, child in Kashmir’s Gurez, highlights gaps in healthcare

The BJP on Saturday (October 24, 2026) targeted the ruling National Conference (NC) over the death of an expectant mother and its failure to place a permanent gynecologist in north Kashmir’s Gurez Valley, a popular tourist destination that remains cut off due to snowfall in winter.

“An expectant mother should not have to depend on uncertainty when she needs immediate medical attention. No family should have to bear such a devastating loss and question whether timely treatment and adequate facilities are available. The allegations surrounding this tragic incident must be investigated impartially and accountability must be held wherever there is wrongdoing,” BJP J&K spokesperson Danish Bhat said.

On October 14, 30-year-old Haseena Begum and her unborn child died due to lack of maternal care in Gurez Valley. “The tragedy has brought into sharp focus the long-standing deficiencies in the health sector in the region. NC MLA Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi, who has represented the constituency in four parliamentary elections since 2002,” said Mr Bhat.

Referring to the hunger strike observed by locals over health, Mr Bhat said: “Nearly two decades of political representation should have translated into reliable health care, functioning emergency services and dignity for the people of Gurez. Instead, residents are now being forced to go on hunger strike to demand a gynaecologist, a radiologist, a functioning operating theatre, a blood bank and not even serious questions about the political failure of the emergency medical service.”

He said the NC must meet the requirements of a resident specialist, a functioning operating theater and emergency transport. “Gurez is a remote and strategically important area where difficult terrain and winter conditions make reliable medical infrastructure indispensable. These challenges are well known, they cannot be used endlessly as an excuse for lack of preparedness,” Mr Bhat said.

Meanwhile, the BJP demanded a time-bound inquiry into the death of Begum and her child, “with findings made public and appropriate action in accordance with law”.

“The people of Gurez are not asking for favors. They are demanding basic healthcare, accountability and reassurance that their lives matter. Their hunger strike must not be reduced to another headline that will disappear after a few days,” a BJP spokesperson said.

Published – 24 October 2026 23:45 IST