Jammu and Kashmir orders probe into ‘azaadi’ slogan chanting

Mehbooba had to beat a hasty retreat from the venue in the wake of shouting of azaadi slogans.

The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday ordered an inquiry into the incident of raising ‘azaadi’ slogans by a women self help group members at a function attended by chief minister Mehbooba Mufti.

An interactive session between chief minister Mehbooba Mufti and a group of women to promote self-help groups degenerated into an impromptu protest on Tuesday. (PTI File)

“The government has appointed commissioner/secretary of industries and commerce department Shailendra Kumar as inquiry officer to enquire into circumstances which led to commotion and unruly situation during a function organised by state Rural Livelihood mission at SKICC yesterday (Tuesday),” an official spokesman said.

Mehbooba had to beat a hasty retreat from the venue in the wake of shouting of azaadi slogans by the members of women self-help group, followed by unruly scenes during which a few chairs were flung in the air.

“The inquiry will include fixing responsibility on the officials of various departments charged with the smooth conduct of the function but having failed to discharge their duties,” the spokesman said, adding that the inquiry officer will submit a report along with recommendations within 15 days.