Jammu & Kashmir

Landowner locks school gate in central Kashmir, forces students to study in open

Middle School Razen, Kangan. [FPK Photo]

Ganderbal: The students of a government school in central Kashmir were on Monday forced to take classes in open after the landowner locked the main gate of the institution in Razen Gund area of Kangan town in Ganderbal district.

Head Master, Government Middle School Razen, Nisar Ahmed Balkhi said that on arrival, he found the school locked while students were waiting outside.

“We tried to persuade the landowner but he didn’t budge and claimed that School Education Department failed to fulfill the promise made to him 37 years ago that he will be given a government job in Education Department,” Balkhi said adding that even Sarpanch and Panchs failed to motivate the landowner.

He said the students had no choice but to continue their studies in the open.

When contacted, the landowner Abdul Rahim Bhat son of Muhammad Abdullah Bhat said that he offered the land free of cost for the construction of the Middle School in 1985 on the promise that a permanent job in the Education Department will be given to him or any other member of the family.

“Earlier too, I locked the school for a few days, but then again I was assured of getting a job. I suffered a lot and now I am not going to listen to anyone,” Bhat said adding that he has been temporarily working in the school for a meager salary of Rs 275 per month.

“Neither I want a permanent job nor any compensation. I want my land back,” he reiterated.

The Sarpanch of the area said that matter has been taken up with SDM and hopefully the issue will be resolved. (KNT)

 

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