The Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday ordered an inquiry into a photograph of separatist leader Asiya Andrabi being included in a poster of the “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” campaign that featured female achievers of India, IANS reported.
The chief of the separatist Dukhtaran-e-Millat organisation was featured along with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, Nobel laureate Mother Theresa, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, tennis player Sania Mirza, Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi, astronaut Kalpana Chawla and singer Lata Mangeshkar.
Andrabi, a pro-Pakistan leader, has been in jail since May for her allegedly separatist activities. She has a number of cases registered against her, including under the Public Safety Act and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.
Reacting to the faux pas, former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Twitter: “Some local officer’s favourite people. Had this happened when I was chief minister, I would have been hauled over the coals by the nation wanting to know.”
The childcare wing of the state social welfare department had put up the poster on Wednesday in Anantnag district’s Kokernag town. It was made as part of efforts aimed at highlighting female achievers and promoting girls’ education in South Kashmir.
A circular issued by the deputy commissioner of Anantnag said that Child Development Project Officer Shameema Akhter had been suspended, according to the Hindustan Times. Akhter told reporters that Andrabi was included in the poster “only in her capacity as a religious leader”.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!