Srinagar, Apr 09 (KNO): Amid strict lockdown, employees of the J&K's Excise Department alleged today that they are facing intimidation and harassment at the hands of superiors.
The employees of JKs excise department told wire service— Kashmir News Observer (KNO) alleged that they are facing harassment at the hands of the Excise Commissioner.
"Excise commissioner issued an order on April 8, instructing staff to conduct administrative inspection. For this purpose the department will have to open the office and we will have to break the lockdown which is in violation of not only GAD order but center as well," an employee, wishing anonymity told—KNO.
He said that the sales tax department was sealed recently, as one of the employees was suspected of having contracted the virus. Despite the official order, to close down all offices barring essential services, the employees alleged, they were asked to report for duty.
"We begged him not to issue the order for the continuation of office work but he threatened us of suspension. He is putting our lives at risk," the employee said.
The officials have filed a written complaint to the Chief Secretary office against the excise head pleading their case.
"These officers come and go in government official cars, but we the middle rung staff members have to come of foot or scooter as no matador (public transport) service is available and have to face a lot of harassment and sometimes abuses and sticks at police Nakas," the employees alleged.
As many as 184 Covid-19 positive cases have been reported from the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir with four deaths reported so far. The entire region has been put under a lockdown with many areas termed as "Red Zones" under severe restrictions, according to official data—(KNO)