Bisma Bhat
Srinagar, April 23: Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) safaikaramcharis have appealed Lieutenant Governor GC Murmu to ensure their security after two of their colleagues were allegedly thrashed by the police at Safa Kadal on Thursday.
On Thursday morning, father and son were allegedly beaten up by the police during their duty.
Firdous Ahmad Sheikh, 30, has suffered major injuries in both arms and was referred to Bone and Joint Hospital.
“Our two employees were beaten up by police on Thursday morning. Father suffered a minor injury but his son has suffered a fracture in his right arm. He was on duty and had an essential service pass but police tore it into pieces,” said Safaikaramchari Union President, Ghulam Mohammad Solina.
He said that this is not the first time that SMC safaikaramcharis have been beaten up by the police. “Recently at Sheergari police station, I and another employee were slapped by a policeman despite showing passes,” he said.
Solina appealed Lieutenant Governor and Divisional Commissioner to look into the matter and ensure the security of SMC employees who are at the forefront in the fight against the COVID-19.
“We have earlier taken up the matter with the police and Srinagar district magistrate who assured us that no employee will be harassed,” said an official of SMC.
The official said that SMC safaikaramcharis are fighting the COVID-19 war and in return, they are being tortured and harassed by the police personnel.
“This is very unfortunate that the police, whose duty is to safeguard people, are thrashing them. If these employees will go on strike, Srinagar city will turn into a dump yard,” he said
Joint Commissioner SMC, Syed Abul Qasim said they have taken up the matter with the district administration and hope that it will not be repeated in the future.
Senior Superintendent of Police, Haseeb Mughal said if SMC employees have grievances they should lodge a formal complaint before him or Deputy Commissioner. “We will look into the matter. We will investigate the matter after the complaint is received,” he said.
