Protests in J&K's Sopore after teacher accused of sexual harassment, 8 arrested

Violent protests erupted in Sopore town of Jammu-Kashmir’s Baramulla district following allegations of sexual harassment involving a girl student and a senior lecturer, officials said on Tuesday. The demonstrations, initially led by students, escalated into clashes and vandalism, prompting police action and led to the arrest of eight individuals.

According to officials, the accused lecturer, identified as Ghulam Hassan Mir, was booked after a complaint of sexual assault was filed.

The incident triggered widespread outrage among students, who staged protests demanding strict action against the accused.

While the demonstrations began peacefully, tensions soon intensified, leading to damage to school property and disruption of public order.

Police confirmed that eight people have been arrested for their alleged involvement in vandalism during the protests, and at least 25 more individuals have been identified.

"Sopore Police arrested 8 miscreants involved in vandalism during a student protest; 25 more were identified. Strict action is underway against those disturbing public order," police said in a statement.

Senior Superintendent of Police Sopore, Iftikhar Talib, addressed the situation, stating, "There is a teacher at Bokhdael Zahid's Kandhi school whose name is Gulam Hassan alias Azhar. He has committed adultery with a girl. In that case, the girl has also protested and we have taken legal action. An FIR has been filed against that teacher and has also suspended her from school education".

"These girls are protesting here. We are talking to them and explaining the situation. I hope they understand what is happening".

In response to the allegations, the Directorate of School Education Kashmir has suspended the lecturer and ordered a time-bound departmental inquiry.

The Joint Director (North Kashmir) has been appointed as the inquiry officer and is expected to submit a report within 15 days.

As a precautionary measure to prevent further unrest, authorities have ordered the closure of major educational institutions in Sopore, including Government Degree College Sopore, until April 18.

Officials said the situation is currently under control, with security forces deployed to maintain order and prevent escalation.

Authorities have urged students and residents to remain calm while assuring that strict legal and administrative action will be taken in the case.

- Ends

with PTI inputs