Kishtwar school incident: J&K minister tells teachers to ensure safety

Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Sakina Itoo on Tuesday urged teachers to guarantee the safety of students following the recent sexual assault case at a school in Kishtwar. Addressing the Jammu and Kashmir Teachers' Forum conference in Srinagar, Itoo said parents trust teachers to protect their children, and the incident has brought shame to society. She stressed that children and daughters must feel secure in educational institutions and warned that the strictest action will be taken if the accused teacher is found guilty after inquiry.

Itoo said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has convened a meeting on the matter and directed strict action against the guilty. She assured the public that the inquiry will be completed and the directive implemented. On teacher concerns, the minister confirmed that the Chief Minister ordered the withdrawal of a department circular on the Teacher Eligibility Test requirement, and the government has approached the Supreme Court on the issue. She also called on teachers to help reverse declining school enrolment across the state.