J&K’s Sopore erupts in protest as lecturer suspended over harassment allegation

Authorities in Sopore on April 13 suspended a senior lecturer after widespread student protests erupted over allegations of harassment made by a female student, prompting police to register a case and launch an investigation.

Tensions flared at the Government Girls Higher Secondary School Sopore, where students staged a massive demonstration demanding strict action against the accused. One student alleged that the lecturer had been harassing several female students, as protesters raised slogans seeking justice.

As the situation escalated, senior officials rushed to the campus and assured students that action would follow. Police confirmed that a case has been registered after a student alleged sexual assault, with investigations currently underway.

An official order issued by the Directorate of School Education Kashmir stated that, pending inquiry, senior Urdu lecturer Ghulam Hassan Mir has been placed under immediate suspension and attached to a school in Gurez, Bandipora.

The order further said that the Joint Director (North) has been appointed as the inquiry officer and has been directed to submit a report within 15 days.

Meanwhile, in a bid to maintain law and order, the district administration ordered the closure of several institutions, including degree colleges and higher secondary schools in Sopore, from April 15 to 17.

Sopore Senior Superintendent of Police Iftkhar Talib confirmed the development, stating that a complaint of sexual assault has been received and a formal case registered. “An investigation is underway,” he said.