Students of High School, Manthala in Bhaderwah, Jammu and Kashmir have been protesting against teacher Arif Iqbal who has been insulting the Hindu religion in front of the pupils for a long time. He repeatedly made disparaging statements about Hinduism, insulting their religious feelings and mentally harassing the latter. The accused even told a student that he would pay Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 to their father and would sacrifice the youngster. While more investigation is ongoing, the alleged teacher has been suspended.
An individual who was also protesting along with the students stated, “Was he a teacher or on a mission from Tablighi Jamaat? He was frustrating children while extolling the virtues of his faith. He even forced female students in the tenth grade to rub their noses in his spit. The youngsters endured his atrocities for many days. On Friday, someone whistled either from outside or within the classroom, and he violently attacked every student. He beat them like animals.”
He added, “The teacher even thrashed the young girls. Their earrings fell off and some of them fainted due to the brutality. Afterwards, their parents arrived and all of them were given assurances. A large demonstration took place then just like today. They want the teacher to be arrested which is a genuine demand.” Another person declared, “Pakistan-sponsored terrorists want to infiltrate and take Jammu and Kashmir back to the 1990s. We have seen that time. We have born the lifeless bodies of our loved ones.”
Meanwhile, Arif Iqbal has been ousted from his position by the office of the chief education officer, Doda, which highlighted that an initial inquiry established that he beat up children and made disparaging statements about the Hindu religion. The order read, “Whereas, in light of the complaint received regarding the conduct of Sh. Arif Iqbal, Teacher, High School Manthla, Zone Bhaderwah, and based on the preliminary investigation, it has been found that Mr Arif Iqbal used derogatory remarks against the Hindu religion and physically assaulted students.”
The parents of the victims reported these actions and a First Information Report (FIR) was filed by Station House Officer (SHO) Bhaderwah under F.I.R No. 128/2024 U/S 115(2), under section 299 (Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). It further mentioned, “Whereas, due to the severity of the allegations and the ongoing investigation, it is hereby ordered that Sh. Arif Iqbal, Teacher, High School Manthla, Zone Bhaderwah, is placed under suspension with immediate effect, pending further investigation and during the suspension period he shall remain attached in this office.”
Arif Iqbal has been instructed not to leave the station without permission while the issue is being looked into and he must continue to be accessible to help with the probe. The order noted, “During the period of his suspension, he will be entitled to subsistence allowance as per the rules in force. This order is issued in the interest of maintaining discipline and upholding the dignity of the educational institution.”
A committee comprised of Principal Higher Secondary School (HSS) Ghurakha, Principal HSS Bhalra and Principal HSS Gowari has been formed. It added, “The Enquiry Committee will conduct an in-depth inquiry into the alleged act of violation by the suspendee and shall furnish their report to this office within a stipulation of 21 days positively with specific recommendations.”
