Faesal's selection reflected changing mindset of Kashmiris: former chief justice

Former chief justice of Jammu and Kashmir and New Delhi Bashir Ahmad Khan today described the selection of Shah Faesal as the topper of IAS examination “a reflection of changing mindset of Kashmiris.” HT Correspondent reports.

Former chief justice of Jammu and Kashmir and New Delhi Bashir Ahmad Khan on Monday described the selection of Shah Faesal as the topper of IAS examination “a reflection of changing mindset of Kashmiris.”

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“This is for the first time I witnessed collective jubilation over the feat achieved by any Kashmiri. There have been success stories in the past but that was looked at with a sense of cynicism. This time people’s approach was positive,” said Khan while speaking at a felicitation function organized by the Right to Information Movement Activists at a local hotel in Srinagar.

Khan said Faesal’s achievement has also projected a new image of Kashmiris “other than being stone pelters or those who invest times and energy in negative things.”

“I crossed checked several times when I came to know about it. I was myself wondering how a Kashmiri could top the IAS exams. But it was true. It broke many myths,” he added.

Khan, who retired as chief justice of Kashmir last year, warned society against putting extraordinary expectations on Faesal. “It’s his personal feat. He has to work in a system. He cannot change system single handedly. But topping the examination goes to his credit,” said Khan.

Shah, who topped in the IAS examination, agreed with Khan on not pinning high hopes. But he was quick to add: “I want to work with a human face and humility.”