Students at High School, Manthala in Bhaderwah, Jammu and Kashmir, have been protesting against teacher Arif Iqbal for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Sanatana Dharma in front of them over an extended period. The accusations include repeatedly insulting the religion and causing emotional distress. One claim involves the teacher allegedly threatening to pay a student’s father Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 and make a disturbing statement about the student. The teacher has been suspended pending further investigation.
A person who joined the students in their protest remarked, “Was he a teacher or just on a mission from Tablighi Jamaat? He frustrated the students while promoting his own beliefs. He even compelled tenth-grade girls to rub their noses in his spit. The students suffered his abuse for days. On Friday, after someone whistled, either from outside or inside the classroom, he reacted violently, attacking every student and beating them severely.”
He continued, “The teacher even physically assaulted the young girls, causing their earrings to fall off and some of them to faint from the violence. When their parents came, they were assured that the situation would be addressed. A large protest followed, similar to today’s, demanding the teacher’s arrest, which is a justifiable request.” Another person declared, “Pakistan-sponsored terrorists want to infiltrate and take Jammu and Kashmir back to the 1990s. We have seen that time. We have born the lifeless bodies of our loved ones.”
In the meantime, Arif Iqbal has been removed from his post by the Chief Education Officer of Doda. The office’s initial inquiry revealed that he had physically assaulted students and made derogatory comments about Hinduism. The official order stated, “Following a complaint about Arif Iqbal, Teacher at High School Manthla, Zone Bhaderwah, and based on the preliminary investigation, it has been determined that Iqbal made offensive remarks about Hinduism and engaged in physical abuse of students.”
The victim’s parents reported the incidents, leading to the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) by the Station House Officer (SHO) of Bhaderwah under FIR No. 128/2024, Section 115(2) and Section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Section 299 addresses deliberate and malicious acts intended to offend religious sentiments. The report further noted, “Given the seriousness of the allegations and the ongoing investigation, it is ordered that Arif Iqbal, Teacher at High School Manthla, Zone Bhaderwah, be suspended immediately. During this suspension, he will remain assigned to this office until further notice.”
Arif Iqbal has been directed to remain at the station and not leave without permission while the investigation is ongoing. He must also stay available to assist with the inquiry. The order stated, “During his suspension, he will receive a subsistence allowance in accordance with existing regulations. This directive is issued to maintain discipline and preserve the dignity of the educational institution.”
A committee has been established, including the Principals of Higher Secondary Schools in Ghurakha, Bhalra, and Gowari. The order specified, “The Enquiry Committee is tasked with carrying out a thorough investigation into the alleged misconduct of the suspended individual and must submit their report to this office within 21 days, along with specific recommendations.”
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