Budgam, June 11: The students of Boys Higher Secondary School (BHSS) Budgam held a protest on Monday against their principal and physical teacher as they accused them of using derogatory language.
Amidst “Shia Sunni Bhai Bhai” slogans, hundreds of students blocked Budgam-Beerwah road and demanded immediate transfer of principal, Mohammad Usman Malik and physical teacher, Muneer Ahmad Khan.
Protesting students told ‘Kashmir Images’ that principal is trying to create a wedge between Muslim sects. “Our Principal very often uses abusive language against the students who belong to a particular sect,” they alleged.
They said that the Principal crossed all his limits today when he abused and beat a student from Budgam without any reason. “I was beaten and abused by the Principal unnecessarily,” alleged Sajad Hussain, a student.
Further, they added that locals among them are not being allowed to participate in sports events. “Muneer sir who is our physical teacher told us that he won’t allow Budgam students to take part in sports events,” said Irshad, another student.
Muntazir Ali, a student said, “Muneer sir also used derogatory language against me.” When this reporter along with Ali approached the physical teacher, he admitted that he had used uncomplimentary language and also apologized.
The students said that principal and physical teacher are continuously harassing them in the name of discipline. “We are being beaten and thrown out of school if we grow our hair a bit longer,” they added.
When contacted, the Principal BHSS denied the allegations of using derogatory language. “I have not used derogatory language,” he said.
However, he was rebutted by students in front of Chief Education Officer (CEO) Budgam, Rouf Ahmad Shahmari and other teachers.
The protesting students while demanding immediate transfer of principal and physical teacher entered into the premises of Deputy Commissioner Office complex.
The agitated students were later pacified by SSP Budgam, Tejinder Singh who assured the students that their demands will be met at an earliest.
Despite repeated attempts, the Director School Education Kashmir, Ghulam Nabi Itoo could not be contacted for comments.
