PEERZADA SAYEED
Karnah, November 1 (JKNS): A wave of disappointment and resentment has gripped the border sub-division of Karnah following the transfer of Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Reyaz Ahmad (KAS), who had assumed charge in the area barely three months ago. The decision has left residents disheartened, with many expressing concern over the premature transfer of an officer whom they describe as honest, capable, approachable and deeply committed to public service.
Residents said that after a long time, Karnah had finally got an officer who genuinely understood the difficulties faced by ordinary people and made efforts to address their grievances. According to locals, Reyaz Ahmad earned widespread appreciation through his humble nature, people-friendly approach, sincerity and dedication towards his official responsibilities.
Despite his brief tenure of just three months, Ahmad managed to establish a strong connection with the people, particularly the poor and underprivileged sections of society. Locals said that his willingness to listen to public grievances, interact with people and facilitate solutions to their problems had generated a sense of hope and confidence among residents.
The news of his transfer has therefore come as a major disappointment to many people in Karnah. Residents believe that an officer who has started earning public trust and demonstrating a commitment to addressing local issues should be given sufficient time to continue his work.
They also pointed out that Karnah, being a remote and strategically important border area, requires administrative continuity and officers who understand its geographical challenges, public concerns and developmental needs. Frequent transfers, they said, can adversely affect the continuity of administrative work and undermine the confidence of the general public.
Civil Society Karnah Seeks Two-Year Tenure for SDM
Meanwhile, Civil Society Karnah has expressed serious concern over the transfer and appealed to Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, to reconsider the decision and allow SDM Reyaz Ahmad to continue serving in Karnah for at least two years.
Speaking to the media, Chairman of Civil Society Karnah, Peerzada SD Qureshi, along with civil society member and social activist Mohammad Hafeez Mir, termed the transfer within just three months unfortunate and unjustified, particularly in view of the officer’s positive approach towards public welfare.
They said that Karnah is a remote border constituency where people are already confronted with numerous administrative, economic and infrastructural challenges. In such circumstances, the presence of a capable, honest and public-friendly officer is of immense importance.
They further observed that Reyaz Ahmad had demonstrated remarkable dedication during his short tenure by remaining accessible to the public, listening to grievances and showing a genuine willingness to address people’s concerns.
The civil society representatives stressed that every administrative officer should be given a reasonable period to understand local issues, establish coordination with different departments and ensure continuity in developmental and public welfare initiatives. Transferring an officer after only three months, they said, not only disrupts administrative continuity but also disappoints people who had begun to see a ray of hope in his leadership.
They made a special appeal to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to personally look into the matter, intervene in the interest of the people of Karnah and take necessary steps to reconsider or revoke the transfer order. They urged the authorities to ensure that Reyaz Ahmad is allowed to serve in Karnah for a minimum period of two years.
Concluding their appeal, the civil society representatives and local residents expressed hope that the government would take public sentiment and the special circumstances of the border area into consideration before proceeding with the transfer.
They maintained that Karnah needs sincere, honest and public-oriented officers who consider their positions not merely as administrative assignments but as an opportunity to serve the people and address their genuine difficulties.(JKNS)
