Principal AS College, Prof suspended
Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, May 8: Minister Sakeena Itoo today questioned the demolition and attachment of properties during anti-drug operations in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that people in Kashmir were being “targeted” under the guise of action against narcotics.
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Speaking to reporters here, Itoo said the Government was already addressing the drug menace through treatment, counselling and rehabilitation, while the responsibility for curbing drug supply rested with the Home Department and enforcement agencies.
“The Government is already working on the drug menace, be it addiction or de-addiction. The LG is also making efforts, which is good, but the responsibility for curbing drug use lies with the Home Department,” she said.
The Minister said authorities should focus on stopping the supply chain instead of taking punitive action against families of accused persons.
“If anyone is held with drugs, we must see where it comes from. The Home Department must ensure that the drug supply is stopped. Drugs should not reach J&K,” she said.
Alleging that families were suffering because of the alleged involvement of one member in narcotics cases, Itoo said properties belonging to parents were also facing attachment and demolition.
“People are being targeted, properties are being seized and demolished. When one person is arrested, the property in the name of his parents also faces action,” she said.
Referring to drug addiction in the Union Territory, Itoo claimed there were “more addicts in Jammu”, but alleged that action in Kashmir was harsher.
“In Kashmir, houses are being razed and properties attached. If anyone is affected by drugs, we must rehabilitate them. Damaging properties is wrong and will make people more negative,” she said.
“If drugs are coming from across the border, security forces are there. How is it then reaching J&K if the borders have been tightened?” she asked.
Appealing to the administration led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Itoo said people in Kashmir should not be “targeted” and questioned why parents should suffer for the alleged involvement of one family member in drug-related cases.
Meanwhile, Itoo said the Principal and an Assistant Professor of Amar Singh College had been suspended after a female student alleged harassment by the faculty member.
She termed the incident “unfortunate” and said the Government acted immediately after receiving the complaint. She added that a swift inquiry had been ordered and the report was expected within a week.
“When the complaint reached us, we suspended the Principal as well as the concerned Assistant Professor. I immediately directed the Secretary to ensure action within five minutes,” she said, asserting that the Government was following a “zero-tolerance” approach in such cases.
The Minister said strict action would be taken against anyone found involved and added that such incidents create fear among parents regarding girls pursuing education.
“We want females to get education and move out for studies, but if such incidents keep happening, how are parents going to allow that?” she said.
On reports of a possible Cabinet expansion, the Minister said the matter was outside her jurisdiction and that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was the appropriate person to comment on it.
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