Srinagar, Oct 16: National Conference president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah on Friday called for strict action against an IAS officer over his alleged inappropriate behaviour towards a woman officer, describing his conduct as unbecoming of a civil servant.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Abdullah said the language used by the officer was unacceptable and warranted a reprimand.
“Officers and ministers are here to serve the people and ease their difficulties, not to abuse them,” Abdullah said, expressing regret over the incident.
Referring to a video circulating on social media, Abdullah said he felt ashamed after watching the officer’s behaviour, adding that the incident had put the entire administrative fraternity in an uncomfortable position.
He demanded the officer’s removal from Jammu and Kashmir, saying such conduct should not be tolerated. Abdullah said that had he been Chief Minister when the incident occurred, he would have sent the officer back to where he came from.
Abdullah said the incident reflected developments in Jammu and Kashmir since 2019, when the erstwhile state was reorganised into two Union Territories.
On the protests taking place in Delhi, Abdullah described them as positive, saying a new wave was emerging against what he termed autocracy and a “Hitlerian way of life”.
Commenting on renewed international conflicts, Abdullah expressed concern over civilian casualties and called for negotiations to resolve disputes.
“I hope that Trump will realise war is not a way of solution. Negotiation is a way of solution,” he said, adding that wars lead to the deaths of innocent people.
