KO photo by Abid Bhat
Have ordered time bound enquiry into the matter, says SDM Chadoora
Srinagar- Braving inclement weather, residents of Brenwar village of Chadoora Tehsil in central Budgam district continued their protests against the concerned Numberdar on second straight day on Thursday.
Chanting slogans, scores of Branwar, Chadoora residents assembled at Press Enclave this afternoon and staged a protest against Numberdar Saifudin Jaraha, who they alleged is harassing people on one or the other pretext.
The Numberdar, protesters also alleged, has attained the age of 60 years and is no more eligible to continue with the post. They urged the government to hold a fresh election for the post of Numberdar in the Tehsil.
“We have been protesting for the last one month, but no concrete measures have been taken as yet. He (Numberdar) is involved in malpractice. We approached higher-ups in the administration, many a times but to no avail” a protester told Kashmir Observer, adding the Numberdar has been holding the office for the last 30 years sans elections.
The protestors urged the government to hold fresh elections for Numberdar in the Tehsil in consonance with law and justice.
Pertinently as per SRO 412 dated 29th September 2017, government had reduced the age limit of Numberdar to 25 years and maximum limit to 60 years. The Protestors of Branwar said the Numberdar was above 60 years and is not eligible to continue.
When contacted, Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Chadoora, Noor Hamid, told Kashmir Observer that an official cannot be removed from his position merely because a handful of villagers does not support him.
He was however quick to add that there are directions from the government that Numberdars having attained the age of 60 years needs to be removed “once the process is initiated, services of all Numberdar’s above 60 years of age will come to an end”
“An enquiry has been initiated in this direction while concerned Tehsildar has been appointed as an enquiry officer. I would like to assure everyone that law will take its own course. We have also sent a letter to the Police to check whether Namberdar was ever convicted, besides all aspects in this regard will be considered,” he added.
On fresh elections, SDM said it is a lengthy process and the same will be held as and when notification is issued by the law department.
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