Nagaland veterinarians join nationwide protest

Dimapur, June 23 (MExN): Veterinarians in Nagaland on Wednesday joined the call made by the  Indian Veterinary Association (IVA) and observed a "black day" by sporting black badges to protest against BJP MP and animal rights activist Maneka Gandhi over her alleged use of “unparliamentary language” while scolding a veterinary doctor.

Earlier on June 22, Nagaland Veterinarians' Association (NVA)  President  Dr Zubemo Humtsoe appeal ed members  to raise their collective voice in condemning “the ghastly and highhanded act”  of the MP against a fellow veterinarian.

The NVA supports the activity in solidarity with the IVA for the step and action taken to observe Black day, the President said. 

According to reports, members responded by wearing the black badges and in most veterinary hospitals across the district headquarters in Nagaland. 

According to PTI news agency, veterinarians across the country also observed a "black day" and sported black badges on June 23 to protest against the MP’s alleged remarks. 

The nationwide protest call was given by the Indian Veterinary Association (IVA), it said. 

Gandhi allegedly abused a veterinary doctor on Tuesday over the phone and  she used unparliamentary language during the conversation, the  PTI report said, quoting IVA President Umesh Sharma.

A purported audio clip of their telephonic conversation has gone viral on social media, it added. 

The association has also written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and BJP president JP Nadda on the issue and urged them to take cognisance of the remarks, which it said, damages the reputation of the saffron party, the report said. 

The association demanded that the BJP MP withdraw her comments and also issue a public apology, it added. 

Sharma said during the COVID-19 crisis, more than 150 veterinarians and over 1,000 para-medics have lost their lives while serving the nation.