Controversy brews over shifting of Dy CEO Office from Shopian

SHOPIAN: The recent decision to shift the office of the Deputy Chief Education Officer (Dy. CEO) Shopian from the district headquarters to Chitragam has sparked strong criticism and widespread concern across the district, with local leaders, civil society members and residents terming it a politically motivated and inconvenient move.

- JAHANGEER GANAI

Former MLA Shopian, Advocate Shabir Ahmad Kullay, along with prominent trade union leaders, civil society representatives and other political figures in a press conference questioned the rationale behind the relocation, alleging it was influenced by political bias.

They claimed that since the sitting MLA of Zainapora constituency, Showkat Hussain Ganaie, hails from Chitragam, the office was deliberately shifted there.

“The Dy. CEO is a district-level officer. His office should remain at the district headquarters to ensure accessibility for all, especially those coming from far-flung areas like Keller. Shifting the office to Chitragam will cause immense inconvenience to the public,” said Adv. Kullay, warning that if the decision is not revoked within seven days, protests will be launched.