Excelsior Correspondent
NAGROTA, Sept 15: To protest against the unbecoming behaviour of Tehsildar Nagrota, who slapped a young student over the issue of Resident Backward Area Certificate, the people today staged a massive dharana on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, seeking immediate disciplinary against the erring official.
The protesters were raising slogans against the administration and blocked the highway resulting in massive traffic jam. When the situation went out of hands, the Additional Deputy Commissioner rushed to the spot from Jammu to pacify the protesters and to motivate them to lift dharana. But the enraged people continued their protests, saying they won’t leave the scene until the Tehsildar is not attached.
Meanwhile, Provincial President of National Conference Devender Singh Rana , who is also the local MLA, went to the spot and decried the act, saying this is unacceptable.
Mr Rana took up the issue with the administration, which immediately conveyed him the decision that a thorough and impartial inquiry will be conducted into the entire episode within two days. On the assurance of the administration, he pacified the agitators, saying that being the elected representative of the people it is his duty to work for welfare, security and just rights of the people.
The Provincial President said that people of Nagrota have always given due regard to the officials of the Government and will continue to do so in future as well but incidents like this vitiates the atmosphere and shake the faith of the people in the administration and the administrative officers. “Physical assault by any Government servant on any person is unpardonable in a civilised society, more so when the person in question is approaching a Government servant for redressal of his grievance”, he added.
Mr Rana urged the State Government to take cognizance of the the matter and initiate suitable action to restore the faith of the people in the system of governance. “Those who have to be the protectors of the rights of the people cannot be allowed to violate their dignity and self esteem”, he maintained.
After being pacified by Mr Rana, the protesters lifted dharna, saying they have immense faith in their representative. The agitators also played the video recording before the visiting officials which is vivid account of abuses before the physical assault.
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