Srinagar, July 12: While defending 2010 IAS topper, Shah Faesal, who faces disciplinary action for his posts on social media, CPI (M) leader and MLA Kulgam, Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami today said that every person, whatsoever his position may be, was entitled to have an opinion on social issues in a democratic setup.
In a press release issued here Tarigami questioned that if the said officer had expressed concern over the rising incidents of rape in South Asia, what harm was in it? “It is a fact that women in South Asia and even in India are increasingly feeling insecure due to rising incidents of violence, including rape, against them. An IAS officer is also part of a society and if he voices concern over these issues, what is wrong in it,” questioned Tarigami.
Pertinent to mention that for expressing opinion on a grave issue like rape, Shah Faesal has been charged with “failing in maintaining absolute honesty and integrity in discharge of official duty and thus acted in a manner unbecoming of public servant.
“India is a democratic country and it can’t prohibit civil servants voicing their opinion on societal issues. They cannot stay completely detached from the moral questions of the society. A ban on freedom of speech and expression is totally unacceptable in a democratic setup,” Tarigami added.
Meanwhile terming 2010 IAS topper Shah Faesal as a ‘proud son of soil’, Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) vice president and MLC G N Monga also criticized the move and added that instead of appreciating him (Shah Faesal) for voicing concern over a grave issue like rape, he was being hounded.
In a press release issued here Monga said that civil servants too live in a society and they cannot stay completely detached from social issues. “What Shah Faesal said about rising incidents of rape in south Asia is a reality for which he should have been appreciated. But instead, he is being targeted for speaking truth,” he said.
“The BJP-led government seems preferring to silence criticism of the country’s widespread rape culture than do anything to reduce it. When an upright officer like Shah Faesal tried to address the issue on social media, the government turns around and makes an attempt to silence him. What kind of a message does that send out to millions of victims of every day patriarchy, misogyny and sexual violence?” he asked.
Monga said Shah Faesal had not done any violation to the service rules for which explanation had been sought from him. “He is proud son of soil and a role model for Kashmiri youth,” Monga added.
