Shopian: The town of Shopian in south Kashmir on Wednesday observed a shutdown in protest against the government’s decision to shift the office of the Deputy Chief Education Officer (Dy CEO) from the district headquarters to Chitragam.
According to reports, the move sparked widespread opposition from political parties, civil society groups and trade bodies, all of whom backed a half-day shutdown in the town to voice their concerns.
Prominent political figures, including MLA Shopian Advocate Shabir Ahmad Kullay, former MLA Aijaz Ahmad Mir, Apni Party’s Advocate Gowhar, and BJP leader Raja Wasim, joined hands with local trade leaders in staging a protest demonstration in the main town. The protesters termed the decision “politically motivated” and “administratively illogical,” accusing the government of acting against the larger public interest.
MLA Shabir Ahmad Kullay strongly criticised the relocation of the office, stating that rather than displacing an essential administrative unit from the district headquarters, the government should focus on creating additional zonal education offices in underserved areas such as Zainapora, Turkwagam, Harmain, Kanjiullar and Kapran.
Former MLA Aijaz Ahmad Mir also echoed similar sentiments. “If the intention was to enhance academic oversight in Chitragam, then a new post should have been created there. The existing structure in Shopian should not be dismantled,” he said.
In addition to demanding the reversal of the Dy CEO office relocation, the leaders also called on the administration to establish a dedicated mechanical division in Shopian and to upgrade infrastructure at the district hospital, citing the growing needs of the population.
The shutdown passed off peacefully, with security deployed in key areas. The protest marks yet another instance of growing discontent over what many see as arbitrary administrative decisions without public consultation.
As of now, there has been no official response from the district administration regarding the protesters’ demands.
