Srinagar, In a controversial move, authorities in the Kupwara district of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) have suspended a forest guard for wearing ‘Pheran’, a traditional Kashmiri attire, during his duty hours. The suspension has sparked outrage and has been criticized for its perceived casteist implications and denigration of local culture.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the suspension order issued by the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Langate for forest guard Bashir Ahmad Dhobi has come under intense scrutiny. The order specifically criticized Dhobi for wearing Pheran, associating it with a shepherd’s appearance, which has been deemed offensive by community members and rights activists. The DFO’s comments have ignited a debate over the respect and recognition of Kashmiri traditions and the discriminatory undertones of the suspension.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti condemned the order on social media, highlighting it as indicative of bias against Kashmiri traditions. Mufti criticized the DFO’s rationale, questioning the derogatory comparison to shepherds and calling for immediate administrative action against the casteist and insensitive order.

Rights activist Advocate Mir Imran also voiced his disapproval, labeling the suspension order as casteist and discriminatory. Imran’s comments on social media emphasized the dignity of all professions, including shepherding, and critiqued the implicit bias against wearing Pheran as backward or indicative of lower social status. He called for recognition of the issue as not only unconstitutional but also offensive to the cultural and professional dignity of Kashmiris.

The incident has raised significant concerns about the treatment of cultural practices and attire within professional settings in IIOJK, sparking a conversation about the need for inclusivity and respect for local traditions in official conduct.