Mohammad Mufeez
President of Pathwari Association, G.M Sofi spoke to The Kashmiriyat about the strike by revenue officials and said, “We are not on the strike because we demand, we are on a strike because we all have our integrity and self – respect. The DC from Pulwama visited Tral on an instructional stride. A Pathwari from the same area who also happens to be suspended was harassed by the officials at his residence. The entire family suffered from the event and are in deep shock because of the event.”
He further added, “We do not mind inspection and inquiry, but every official has their own decorum and respect. Earlier, events where Pathwaris were verbally abused and shunned have also take place that we shunned and did not speak about, but it should not be happening to officers with different calibers.”
He said, “We are only on a strike until the issue stream lines and we are given the assurance that we will not be harassed. We will calloff the strike as soon as it happens.”
Pertinently, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Pulwama, Dr. Raghav Langer following repeated complaints of discrepancies and ‘illegal’ practice by revenue officials, suspended at least 6 Pathwaris.
These include Patwaris of halqas Tral-e-payeen, Noorpora and Kakapora. Similarly departmental enquiries were initiated against Patwaris of halqas – Awantipora, Khrew/Nagender & Kandizal; besides issuance of showcase notices to others.
Patwaris of Pulwama district therefore, observed a pen-down strike and threatened to go for indefinite strike if suspended revenue officials are not reinstated.
“These Patwaris are accused of fraud without any inquiry. This is not fair,” said a Patwari adding that they will call a meeting to decide the future course of action.