Handwara: In a shocking development, authorities in north Kashmir’s Handwara have suspended a forest employee for wearing a Pheran (a Kashmiri traditional outfit) during duty hours, according to sources.
Ths suspension letter issued by the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Langate of which a copy lies with News Agency Kashmir Scroll reads, the suspension of a forest guard for attire resembling that of a shepherd has raised concerns among rights activists and community members.
The Divisional Forest Officer Langate issued a suspension order, claiming that during his surprise inspection of the forest check-post in Langate, he found one of the forest officials wearing a ‘pheran’ that looked like that of a shepherd.
The order reads that, the territorial forest officials are part of a disciplined force and are always duty bound to wear proper dress code while performing duties at sensitive postings.
The letter further reads that the pending departmental enquiry against the forest guard has been placed under suspension attached with range office Rafiabad with immediate effect. The range officer Mawar shall make an internal arrangement in place of the suspended official till suitable staff is posted in the said check-post reads the official order.
