Srinagar, June 1 (IANS) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has ordered the removal of a sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) after he allegedly misbehaved with a newly-elected sarpanch.
Farooq Ahmad Mir was removed from his post as SDM of Handwara in north Kashmir following orders from Abdullah late Tuesday. An inquiry has been ordered into the incident.
The SDM allegedly misbehaved and even thrashed newly-elected sarpanch Tahir Ahmad Mir when he approached the former for arranging a bus for some schoolchildren.
Following misbehaviour by the SDM and his security guards, protests had broken out in Handwara, with people demanding immediate action against those responsible for humiliating public representatives.
Panchayat elections for choosing sarpanchs (village headmen) and panchs (village councillors) are being held in Jammu and Kashmir after a gap of 10 years. These elections are being held in 16 phases, 12 of which have already been completed.
Massive participation by people in these elections has proved their resolve for self-governance at the grassroots.
