Mehbooba Mufti slams arbitrary dismissal of J&K govt employees, questions inaction of elected government
Continued dismissal of J&K govt employees raises concerns as Mehbooba Mufti slams arbitrary actions despite elected government’s promises for relief.
Srinagar, Feb 15: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti has strongly criticized the arbitrary dismissal of government employees in the Union Territory, asserting that such actions persist despite the formation of an elected government.
Taking to social media platform X, Mehbooba Mufti expressed her dismay over the continued termination of employees under Article 311(2)(c) of the Constitution—a provision allowing dismissal without an inquiry in cases involving national security concerns. She accused the administration of perpetuating a pattern of suppression that has been in place since 2019.
“Arbitrary and summary dismissals of government employees have become a daily occurrence since 2019. What is perhaps most surprising and 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 stated.
Her remarks come in response to the recent dismissal of three government employees following an investigation by law enforcement and intelligence agencies that allegedly linked them to terror-related activities. The termination orders were issued by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s administration, invoking Article 311 to bypass standard disciplinary proceedings.
A Blow to Public Expectations
Mufti further highlighted the growing disillusionment among the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who had pinned their hopes on the newly formed National Conference-led government to provide relief from such controversial measures.
“People had expected that the new government would at least advocate for them and ensure some relief through dialogue with the Lieutenant Governor’s administration. But the situation remains unchanged,” she added.
Since 2019, over 70 government employees in Jammu and Kashmir have been dismissed on similar charges, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and civil rights groups. Critics argue that many of these cases lack transparency and due process, raising concerns about fairness and accountability in the region’s governance.
As political tensions escalate, Mehbooba Mufti’s latest remarks underscore the growing debate over administrative actions in Jammu and Kashmir.
