Forest Guard Suspended for Dress Code Violation

Srinagar: A forest employee has been suspended for violating the dress code by wearing a Pheran (a traditional Kashmiri outfit) during duty hours in the Handwara area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.
According to the letter issued by the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), concerns were raised by rights activists and community members regarding the suspension of a forest guard for attire resembling that of a shepherd. The suspension order, issued by the Divisional Forest Officer Langate, cited a surprise inspection of a forest check-post in Langate where one of the forest officials was found wearing a ‘pheran’ resembling that of a shepherd. The order emphasized that territorial forest officials are part of a disciplined force and are required to adhere to the proper dress code while on duty at sensitive postings. Pending a departmental inquiry, the forest guard has been placed under suspension and attached to the range office in Rafiabad with immediate effect.
The range officer of Mawar will make internal arrangements to cover the suspended official’s duties until suitable staff is posted at the check-post, as per the official order. Following widespread criticism over controversial remarks made in the suspension order, Divisional Forest Officer Langate, Izaz Ahmad, clarified that there was no intention to offend and expunged the remarks from the order. Ahmad told Kashmir Horizon that the suspended employee had been previously warned for flouting the prescribed dress code, and the suspension order was issued to ensure adherence to norms and set a precedent for other employees. Expressing regret over the remarks that sparked controversy, Ahmad emphasized respect for all cultures and stated that the intention was solely to enforce discipline. “The remarks have been expunged in a fresh order issued this morning,” Ahmad stated. He reiterated the importance of adhering to the dress code, particularly in sensitive postings like check-posts, to avoid appearing as unauthorized personnel. The concerned DFO had faced severe criticism for the remarks made in the suspension order regarding the attire of the forest guard resembling that of a ‘shepherd