Sajid Raina
Srinagar, Feb 15: Jammu and Kashmir’s opposition parties erupted in outrage on Saturday after the government sacked three employees including a police constable, a teacher, and a forest official over alleged terror links.
While National Conference leader Omar Abdullah called for due process, PDP, JKPC, and others slammed the move as part of a broader pattern of disempowerment. The BJP, however, defended the dismissals, calling them necessary to combat ‘terrorism’.
PDP Chief and former J&K chief minister, Mehbooba Mufti said that people had pinned their hopes on the new government, expecting at least some relief through vigorous advocacy of these issues with the Lieutenant Governor.
“Arbitrary & summary dismissals of government employees has become a daily occurrence since 2019. What is perhaps most surprising & puzzling is that it continues unabated despite an elected government in power that had promised to put an end to such practices once in office,” she said.
JKPC Chief and Handwara legislator, Sajad Gani Lone said that “the termination of three employees is a stark reminder of our continued disempowerment.”
“This will not work. More than the termination it is disdain and contempt of Delhi towards Kashmiris, that’s revealed through these actions. These actions have not worked in the past. They will not work in the future. It will only widen the gulf and make it even more vicious,” he said.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said that the termination of three more state employees in such an authoritarian manner is highly condemnable. “Do the rulers want to remove all Kashmiri’s slowly and steadily from government services and render them jobless? It is the duty of the elected representatives to take up this issue urgently with the concerned as they have committed in their manifesto, and stop this harassment. Also cracking down on Islamic literature and seizing them from bookstores while condemnable is ridiculous. Policing thought by seizing books is absurd to say the least, in the time of access to all information on virtual highways,” he wrote in a post on X.
BJP senior leader Abhijeet Jasrotia said those aiding terrorism are more dangerous than terrorists and must face strict laws.
He urged strict action against terror sympathizers, blaming Pakistan for J&K’s turmoil and advocating intensified crackdowns. He emphasized government efforts for peace, highlighting discussions with traders and stakeholders. “Fear of violence has decreased, enabling development. We aim to restore a peaceful Kashmir,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) senior leader and MLA Langate, Sheikh Khursheed also condemned the move, calling it a grave injustice and a violation of natural justice.
Sheikh Khursheed questioned the government’s selective approach, stating: “Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji says ‘Nation is one, Law is one,’ but then why are government employees in Jammu and Kashmir being arbitrarily dismissed without even being given a chance to defend themselves? Why are we being treated differently? This discrimination must end.”
He urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to adhere to the commitments of PM Modi and ensure that people in J&K are not let down. He emphasized that arbitrary dismissals undermine faith in the system and create an atmosphere of uncertainty among government employees.
