Srinagar: Authorities in Kupwara on Monday suspended five government officials for “provoking” youth to indulge in stone pelting in the north Kashmir district.
An official of the district in a statement issued to news agency GNS said that Deputy Commissioner Kupwara Rajeev Ranjan also ordered a time-bound enquiry into the incident.
The action by Ranjan followed some complaints received by him, alleging that five employees working in different government departments were creating law and order problems by provoking youth to indulge in stone pelting since last week.
“DC Kupwara immediately initiated an action by placing all the five employees under suspension vide order number 11-DCK/ADM of 2016”.
The suspended employees have been identified as Ghulam Rasool Sheikh (Master at GHSS Maidanpora), Farooq Ahmad Bhat (Teacher at GMS Dardpora), Abdul Ahad Bhat (Peon at GHSS Lalpora), Hussam-u-din-Shah (Peon at Govt Degree College Sogam) and Gh Mohiudin Rather (Mechanical Irrg. & FC Handwara).
The official further said that Sub-Divisional Magistrate Lolab has been appointed to conduct an inquiry viz-a-viz government employee’s role in provoking the youth.
The magistrate has been directed to submit the report before the deputy commissioner within 15 days time, the official added.
Pertinently, violent protests broke out in several parts of Kupwara and Handwara last Tuesday over the alleged molestation of a girl by an army soldier on Tuesday. The girl, however, has denied that she was molested.
Three persons including a woman were killed in firing by army on protesters on Tuesday while two more persons were killed in separate forces action against protesters on Wednesday at Drugmulla and on Friday at Nathnusa. (GNS)
