Shopian, July 23: A complete shutdown was observed in Shopian on Wednesday in protest against the recent decision to shift the office of the Deputy Chief Education Officer (CEO) from the district headquarters to Chitragam in the Zainapora constituency.The shutdown was called by the All-Party District Development Forum Shopian, a coalition of around 16 opposition parties and civil society groups, led by local MLA Advocate Shabir Ahmad Kullay.In response, most business establishments in Shopian town remained closed, and public transport services were largely disrupted.Scores of residents gathered at the iconic clock tower in the town and marched peacefully to the Mini Secretariat in Arhama, raising slogans against the Omar Abdullah-led National Conference (NC) government and demanding the immediate revocation of the order.Terming the decision politically motivated, protesters accused the government of sidelining Shopian in key administrative decisions.This was the first organized protest in Shopian against the newly elected NC government.MLA Shabir Ahmad Kullay while addressing the media said that the order was issued without following proper procedure.“It is illegal, arbitrary, and part of NC’s long-standing discriminatory approach towards Shopian.”He asserted that they will continue to raise their voice until order is withdrawn and the people of Shopian get their rightful due.Former MLA Aijaz Ahmad Mir also criticized the move, calling it unwise.“Instead of shifting the Deputy CEO’s office, the government should have created a separate post for Chitragam,” he said, adding that relocation will serve no purpose other than causing unnecessary inconvenience and wasting resources.He further accused the NC of exploiting Shopian whenever in power.Prominent civil society member Mitha Gatoo echoed the criticism, saying the NC has a long history of discriminating against Shopian. “Civil society, being a non-political body, seeks the intervention of LG Manoj Sinha to address the injustices Shopian has faced over the past 70 years,” he said, adding that they believe only the LG can redress their grievances.During the occasion the civil society also extended an invitation to the LG to visit Shopian.
