SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Sakina Itoo has called for stringent action against those found responsible for the death of a 14-year-old schoolgirl from Kishtwar, saying the incident has heightened concerns over the safety of children in educational institutions.
Speaking to reporters, Itoo described the incident as “shameful” and “unfortunate” and stressed the need to provide a secure environment for girl students.
“Such incidents create insecurity among parents. We need a safe environment for our girl students,” she said, while calling for strict action against those responsible.
The schoolgirl, from the Chatroo area of Kishtwar, died while being shifted for medical treatment related to her pregnancy, according to the report.
Police have arrested government school teacher Khalid Hussain Sheikh in connection with the case. Sheikh was posted as a Teacher Grade-II at Middle School Bumalpora in Zone Inderwal. An FIR has been registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The Chief Education Officer, Kishtwar, has suspended the teacher pending an inquiry.
The incident has triggered protests in parts of Kishtwar, with residents demanding accountability and strict action. Reports have also stated that the accused teacher’s brother was arrested in connection with circumstances surrounding the attempted termination of the pregnancy.
Itoo said the Education Department would work towards strengthening child-safety measures and ensuring that cases involving the safety of students are dealt with firmly.
