Reyaz Rashid
Baramulla, October 26, 2026: The Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Forum (JKTF), Baramulla, organised an impressive programme at Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Baramulla, witnessing the participation of prominent trade union leaders, educationists, representatives of various teachers’ organisations and members of the teaching fraternity.
The programme was attended by JKTF Provincial President Irfan Nazir, General Secretary Tahir Sofi, spokesperson Shabir Shah, Provincial Press Secretary Khalid Bashir, Chief Disciplinary Officer Gulzar Ahmad, and State Executive Body members Khalid Altaf, Peerzada Tanveer Ahmad and Javid Iqbal.
All zonal presidents, zonal office-bearers and district-level representatives also participated in the gathering.The highlight of the programme was the joining of senior trade union leader Altaf Hussain Bhat, along with his district and zonal leadership, in the Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Forum. Several prominent personalities associated with different teachers’ organisations also joined the Forum, expressing confidence in its leadership, vision and commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of the teaching community.
Welcoming the new members, the JKTF leadership described their decision as a significant development that would further strengthen the organisation and consolidate the collective voice of teachers across Baramulla district. Altaf Hussain Bhat was elevated to the position of State Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Forum in recognition of his experience and contribution to the teachers’ movement.
Addressing the gathering, JKTF District President Baramulla, Farooq Hussain Dar, emphasised the importance of unity, collective leadership and coordinated efforts in resolving the genuine grievances of the teaching fraternity. He reiterated that the Forum remained committed to protecting teachers’ legitimate rights and ensuring that their concerns were effectively represented before the competent authorities.Dar said the growing confidence of experienced trade union leaders in JKTF reflected the organisation’s credibility, sustained efforts and commitment to the welfare of employees in the education sector.
JKTF Chairman Mir Ahmadullah also welcomed the newly inducted members, describing their joining as a reflection of the Forum’s growing strength and acceptance among teachers. He stressed the need for a united, strong and responsible platform that could represent the teaching community with dignity, determination and sincerity.He further stated that the Forum would continue its constructive struggle for the resolution of longstanding issues affecting teachers and other employees associated with the education sector.
During the programme, the speakers highlighted several key concerns, including the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), service-related issues, career progression, professional dignity and the overall welfare of employees. They called for sustained dialogue, collective representation and constructive engagement with the concerned authorities to address these issues.The leadership expressed confidence that the induction of experienced and dedicated trade union representatives would strengthen the Forum’s organisational structure, improve coordination at the grassroots level and provide fresh momentum to its efforts for the welfare of teachers.
The programme concluded with a renewed pledge to uphold organisational unity, strengthen collective leadership and continue working towards the protection of the legitimate interests of the teaching fraternity.At the conclusion, the district leadership expressed heartfelt gratitude to the distinguished guests, newly inducted members, zonal representatives and all participants for their presence and valuable contributions in making the programme a success.