Srinagar, Oct 16 (JKNS): Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president and MLA Central Shalteng, Tariq Hameed Karra has written to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, seeking his personal intervention into the allegations surrounding an incident involving woman JKAS officer Beenish Wani during the Mission YUVA review meeting held on October 14.
In a letter dated October 16, as per news agency JKNS, Karra said a video circulating publicly had raised serious concerns over the language allegedly used by a senior IAS officer towards a woman colleague and reported directions to initiate action against her.
Karra urged the Lieutenant Governor to order a fair and time-bound inquiry to establish the facts, examine the complete recording and determine whether any service rules or standards of conduct had been violated.
“If the allegations are substantiated, appropriate action should follow, irrespective of the position held by the officer concerned,” the JKPCC president said in the letter.
He also expressed concern over reported remarks concerning the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC), stating that the commission was a vital constitutional institution and that any attempt to undermine its credibility or public confidence in its functioning deserved serious examination.
The Congress leader stressed that Beenish Wani must not be subjected to any form of victimisation or retaliatory action in connection with the incident.
“Her professional interests must be protected, and any decision concerning her service should be taken strictly on merit and in accordance with the rules,” Karra wrote.
Emphasising the importance of accountability and professional conduct within the administration, he said mutual respect was essential to maintaining the morale of officers and the credibility of government institutions.
Karra acknowledged the pressures under which the administration functions but maintained that the allegations warranted a thorough examination and appropriate action in accordance with the findings of the inquiry.
The letter was addressed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhavan, Jammu and Kashmir, on October 16.
*Background*
The controversy arose after a video of an online Mission YUVA review meeting held on October 14 circulated on social media, purportedly showing a senior IAS officer using objectionable language towards Beenish Wani, a woman JKAS officer, and reportedly threatening action against her.
The incident triggered reactions from political leaders, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who said the officer’s conduct was prima facie not in keeping with the standards expected of a senior IAS officer. He said he had taken up the matter with the Chief Secretary and instructed him to ensure that the junior JKAS officer faced no retaliatory action.
Former Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti also called for strict action, urging Omar Abdullah to take up the matter with the Government of India.
The allegations have sparked a wider debate over workplace dignity, administrative accountability and professional conduct among government officers. The allegations remain subject to verification and due process. (JKNS)