Srinagar, October 16, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) Officers Association has announced a one-day pen-down strike across the Union Territory to protest the alleged verbal abuse and humiliation of Assistant Director Beenish Wani by senior IAS officer Kumar Rajeev Ranjan during an official online meeting. The incident has triggered widespread outrage among political leaders, social activists and civil service associations.
In a communication to its members, the JKAS Officers Association said the protest was aimed at defending the dignity, self-respect and institutional honour of its cadre. It called for complete solidarity across departments, emphasising that an attack on the dignity of any officer affected the entire administrative fraternity.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti condemned the alleged conduct and demanded strict action against Ranjan.
“Such erratic and disdainful conduct cannot be tolerated. CM @OmarAbdullah must immediately take up the matter with the Government of India and demand strict action against the officer who is already facing allegations of issuing illegal gun licences,” Mufti said in a post on X.
Former Srinagar Municipal Corporation mayor Junaid Azim also criticised the alleged behaviour, questioning how individuals displaying such conduct could clear the Union Public Service Commission examination. He argued that passing a competitive examination did not automatically make someone competent, cultured or well-mannered.
Social and environmental activist Dr Raja Muzaffar said administrative leadership required composure, professionalism and respect for institutional values. He described the allegations against Ranjan as deeply regrettable and raised questions about public service ethics and the training provided at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie.
Muzaffar also praised Beenish Wani for what he described as her refusal to submit to unwarranted intimidation, saying her response demonstrated professional self-respect and courage. He expressed support for the woman officer and condemned what he characterised as official bullying.
Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Labour and Employment Department issued a clarification regarding video clips circulating on social media in connection with the incident. The department described the clips as selectively edited and said they originated from a review meeting chaired by the department’s secretary on October 14, between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
According to the department, the meeting involved an extensive review of its performance across all 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir. It added that the complete recording of the proceedings was available with the National Informatics Centre (NIC).
During the meeting, the chair emphasised the high expectations associated with Mission YUVA and urged district-level officers to discharge their responsibilities with dedication and commitment. Officials were reminded of the need to ensure effective implementation of the initiative and timely delivery of its benefits to eligible young people.
The department stressed that mutual respect, discipline and professional decorum were essential during official interactions. It said officers and officials were expected to respect their seniors while carrying out their duties, adding that provocative remarks and inappropriate language had no place in administrative engagements.
Expressing regret over the developments surrounding the meeting, the department said the circulation of selectively edited clips without the full context was a matter of concern. It maintained that the videos being shared were unverified and warned that selective editing of internal administrative discussions could create a misleading impression of the proceedings.
The department added that the matter would be taken to its logical conclusion in accordance with applicable rules and regulations. It appealed to the media and the public to exercise caution and avoid sharing or relying on unverified and sensationalised material circulating on social media.
Reiterating its commitment to youth empowerment, the department said it remained focused on the effective implementation of Mission YUVA and improving public service delivery across Jammu and Kashmir.
The controversy has intensified calls for accountability and professional conduct within the administration, even as the department has urged the public to consider the full context of the meeting before drawing conclusions.
FOLLOW NOW
