SRINAGAR: A complete shutdown was observed in Shopian district of South Kashmir on Wednesday following widespread protests against the government’s decision to shift the office of the Deputy Chief Education Officer (Dy CEO) from the district headquarters to Chitragam.
The shutdown, which paralysed normal life, was marked by rare political unanimity as leaders from the BJP, Congress, PDP, JKAP, and Apni Party joined traders, transporters, and civil society groups in opposing the relocation. Protesters called the move “politically motivated” and “administratively unjustified.”
Former and sitting MLAs, including Shabir Ahmad Kullay and Aijaz Ahmad Mir, criticised the decision, alleging it violated administrative procedures. They argued that the office shift should have followed the creation of zones and proper assessment, which they claim was bypassed. A formal memorandum demanding the reversal of the order has been submitted to the authorities, with a one-week deadline.
The protesting parties and civil society members stated that shifting the Dy CEO office to Chitragam would disadvantage the majority population across nearly 250 villages in Shopian while benefiting a small section. They called for strengthening the district’s administrative infrastructure by creating new offices rather than removing existing ones.
Shops and business establishments remained closed, and public transport stayed off the roads during the day-long bandh. No untoward incident was reported.
Protesters warned of intensified agitation if the government fails to revoke the relocation order. The administration has not yet responded to the demands.
