Students Protest in Sopore School Over Alleged Assault; Lecturer Suspended, FIR Registered

Class work in 3 sopore educational institutions suspended till April 18

Sopore, Apr 13  : Tension prevailed at Government Girls Higher Secondary School Sopore on Monday after students staged protests alleging that a senior lecturer sexually assaulted one of their classmates.

Eyewitnesses told news agency Kashmir News Corner (KNC) that a large number of girl students came out of classrooms, raising slogans and demanding immediate action, stating they felt unsafe within the school premises.

Meanwhile, the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) placed the accused lecturer under suspension pending inquiry. An official order states that the suspended teacher has been attached to BHSS Badugam, Gurez, while the Joint Director (North) has been appointed as Inquiry Officer to submit a report within 15 days.

Senior Superintendent of Police Sopore, Iftikhar Talib, said police took cognizance of the incident and registered an FIR. “Legal action has been initiated and investigation is underway,” he said, assuring that strict action will be taken as per law.

Police officials are also engaging with the protesting students to maintain calm, while further investigation into the case is ongoing. —

Additional Deputy Commissioner Sopore, S A Raina, per news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC, said that academic activities at Government Higher Secondary School, Boys Higher Secondary School and Government Degree College Sopore will remain suspended from April 15 to April 18.

The decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order in the area following protests over harrasment allegations. (KNC)