Sopore, Apr 13 (JKNS): Massive protests erupted at Government Girls Higher Secondary School Sopore on Monday after students alleged that a senior lecturer sexually assaulted one of their classmates, triggering outrage and panic on campus.
Eyewitnesses told news agency JKNS that dozens of girl students poured out of classrooms, raising slogans and demanding strict action, saying they no longer felt secure within the school premises.
The Directorate of School Education Kashmir ordered suspension of the lecturer.
An order, a copy of which lies with news agency JKNS, reads: “Pending inquiry into his conduct, Mr. Ghulam Hassan Mir, Sr. Lecturer Urdu, GHSS Sopore, Baramulla, is hereby placed under suspension with immediate effect and is attached with BHSS Badugam, Gurez, Bandipora.”
“Further, the Joint Director, North is hereby appointed as Inquiry Officer who shall conduct an inquiry and submit a report to this Directorate within 15 days,” it reads.
Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent of Police Sopore, Iftikhar Talib, said police took swift cognizance of the incident following the protests. “An FIR has been registered and legal proceedings have been initiated against the accused,” he said.
He added that the accused teacher, identified as Ghulam Hassan alias Azhar, has been placed under suspension by the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK).
The SSP further said police teams are engaging with the protesting students to ensure calm and have assured them that justice will be delivered. “We will investigate the matter thoroughly and act accordingly,” he said.
Meanwhile, investigations are underway to ascertain all aspects of the case. — (JKNS)**
