Srinagar, Jan 31: The students and civil society members held a massive demonstration at Lal Chowk here on Tuesday against State Education Minister Peerzada Muhammad Sayeed for his alleged misconduct and demanded his resignation forthwith.
Hundreds of civil society members and students raised slogans “Peerzada should be sacked” and “Shame on Peerzada” to press their demand. “Exemplary action should also be taken against the accused BOSE officials,” they demanded.
The protesters also ridiculed the alleged use of unfair means by the minister’s son as “Munna Bhai Matric Pass.”
The protest of civil society group was led by Independent MLA Engineer Rashid who urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to sack the minister from his Cabinet on disciplinary and moral grounds till the inquiry is completed.
“Peerzada has misused his position to help his son pass the 10th Board exam fraudulently so Chief Minister should react to it to continue the probe smoothly,” Rashid told reporters.
He also appealed Congress high command to withdraw support from ‘corrupt ministers’ in J&K. “The image of democratic credentials is weakened when tainted ministers like Peerzada get support from leaders in India,” Er Rashid said.
The MLA said the recent revelation about the alleged misconduct resorted to by the Education minister in connivance with some J&K Board of School Education officials has exposed the ‘rot in the system.’
Er Rashid asked leaders of mainstream and pro-freedom parties to rise to the occasion to give better education to children. “This is the right time for Tarigami, Hakim Yaseen, PDP and Hurriyat to come on streets and demand for better education system for our children,” he added.
J&K RTI Movement convener Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat said the minister had many corruption charges against him. “The biggest charge against him is rural electrification scam that is pending with the State Accountability Commission. Ironically he has got a court stay on the charges and the Government is yet to vacate the stay,” he told this newspaper.
Another activist Dr Ghulam Rasool demanded a disciplinary action accused BOSE officials. “The BOSE officials are equally involved in the case so they should be held accountable,” he said.
Students from various educational institutions were holding placards reading ‘Hey Minister Stop Playing With Our Careers’ and ‘Down with Peerzada”. They also held a sit-in at Mushtaq Memorial Press Enclave here to highlight their demand.
Some students gathered under the banner of Islamic Students Federation.
“Our future is in dark if the people in power misuse their position for their near and dear ones,” said Fazil, a 12th class student.
A student of 10th class expressed that if such practices continue in the future “It’ll ruin our education system.”
They threatened to intensify the agitation if the Education minister continued to remain in power.
Members of Citizen Council Khansahib too joined the sit-in at Press Enclave.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 1 Feb 2012 00:00:00 IST