Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Feb 20: The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Langate in district Kupwara, is facing criticism for equating a forest guard wearing a traditional Pheran with a shepherd in a suspension order issued on February 17th.
Ihzaz Pajwari, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Langate, has come under scrutiny after issuing a suspension order for Forest Guard Bashir Ahmad Dobhi on February 17th. The order, issued during a surprise inspection of Forest Check-post Langate, criticised Dobhi for wearing a pheran, a traditional Kashmiri outfit, stating he “was found wearing a pheran and looking like a shepherd.”
The order further stated that forest officials must adhere to a proper dress code while on duty and suspended Dobhi pending a departmental inquiry, directing him to be attached to Range Office Rafiabad. It also instructed the Range Officer of Mawar to arrange internal replacements until suitable staff is posted at the check-post.
The clause equating the Forest Guard with shepherds in a derogatory manner sparked backlash, with netizens and former Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti, condemning the action.
Mufti called for immediate action from the local administration to address what she perceived as discriminatory behaviour and cultural insensitivity within the Government ranks.
“Langate’s Divisional Forest Officer has suspended Bashir Ahmed, a forest guard, for wearing a pheran. The subsequent order smacks of prejudice towards our traditions by deriding him for ‘looking like a shepherd’. Are shepherds subhuman? Insensitive and arrogant. I hope the local admin takes action immediately,” she stated in a post on ‘X’.
In response to the controversy, the Department issued a corrigendum to rectify the matter, expunging the objectionable words from the original order.
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