Bandipora : A Physical Education Teacher (PET) has been alleged to have attempted to assault a Principal and also disrupt morning assembly at Government Higher Secondary School Ajas in Bandipora.

Principal GHSS Ajas Bandipora, Nazir Ahmad Wani, informed GNS that while he was delivering a morning assembly lecture discouraging corporeal punishment to students, emphasising any teacher found involved in the act, regardless of his position, would face strict consequences.

“In the due course of time, I asked my subordinates that during the winters, students from far off places may be late to school at times, the teachers should allow such students without punishment”, the principal said adding “this infuriated the PET, following which he started shouting slurs and attempted to assault me.”

*Following this incident, the teacher was relieved from the institution to safeguard the school environment”, he said.

“In the interest of administration, Mr. Firdous Nabi Bhat, P.E.T. of this institution, is hereby relieved of his duties on 22/11/2023 FN, and is directed to report to the District Youth Services and Sports Officer, Bandipora,” reads a relieving order issued vide order no HSS/A/023/378-81 dated 22/11/23″, reads an order by the Principal, a copy of which is with GNS.

However, the principal added that despite being relieved, the PET in question came into the school on Thursday and ‘attempted to hijack it.’

Meanwhile, the accused Physical Education Teacher, Firdous Nabi, while talking to GNS, outrightly refuted the allegations of trying to assault the principal and hurling abuses.

He, in turn, accused the principal of unruly behavior, flouting Director School Education Kashmir orders regarding timing, and overturning court orders.

“I was forcibly relieved from the institution last year on flimsy grounds after which, I challenged the relieving orders before the Honorable Court, and the Court has clearly put a stay on my transfer. During the pendency of this case, the principal came up with another relieving order, which amounts to contempt of court orders,” he said.

“Alongside being a physical education teacher, I’m an Associated NCC officer, who has 50 cadets enrolled in the naval subunit of the school. Despite two pending court directions, of which the final judicial decision is yet to come, how can he relieve me again. This speaks volumes about his unprofessionalism,” he added.

Meanwhile, Chief Education Officer Bandipora, Mohd Amin Beigh, told GNS that the department will conduct an in-depth inquiry into the matter to ascertain the actual facts.

“Appropriate action shall be initiated against anyone found at fault” he added.