Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) officers have proceeded on mass casual leave to protest the alleged assault and harassment of a Block Development Officer (BDO), a JKAS officer, in Nagrota during election duty.
In a letter addressed to the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, the officers expressed “deep anguish and strong protest” over the incident, which reportedly involved the physical assault and filing of a fabricated FIR against the BDO by a concerned SDPO while the officer was performing official duties as Nodal Officer (Transport) under lawful election orders.
The JKAS officers termed the incident “unwarranted and unjustifiable,” stating that such actions not only undermine administrative morale but also threaten the safety, dignity, and institutional protection of civil officers engaged in statutory and election-related work.
“The incident has severely shaken the morale of the entire JKAS fraternity and raises serious concerns regarding the safety and dignity of officers performing sensitive election assignments,” the letter stated.
The officers have resolved to continue their mass leave “until stern and visible action is initiated against the erring officer(s)” and demanded safeguards to prevent a recurrence of such incidents. They urged the Lieutenant Governor to intervene immediately to restore officer confidence and uphold the dignity of the civil service.
The protest has drawn significant attention within administrative and political circles, as it coincides with the ongoing election process in the Union Territory, potentially impacting the smooth functioning of official duties.
The JKAS fraternity reiterated that their protest is not against the system but a demand for justice, accountability, and respect for civil officers executing their lawful responsibilities.
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