PDP Leader Mehbooba Mufti Writes to Omar Abdullah, Pushes for Justice for Dismissed J&K Employees
SRINAGAR, Nov 11: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has urged the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, to form a committee to review the cases of government employees who were terminated in the Union Territory, particularly since 2019.
In a letter addressed to Abdullah, Mufti expressed her concerns over the arbitrary dismissals of government employees on what she described as baseless grounds, without proper investigation or fair trials. She highlighted the severe and lasting impact these dismissals have had on the affected employees and their families. Mufti shared her letter on her official X handle, emphasizing how the abrupt and unjust terminations have left many families in financial distress and emotional turmoil.
“The dismissal of government employees without due process, a trend that has emerged since 2019, has caused irreparable harm to numerous families,” Mufti wrote. “In some cases, these actions have left families destitute, unable to meet their basic needs.” She called for the creation of a committee to conduct thorough reviews of these cases, providing the affected employees or their families the opportunity to present their side and seek a fair reassessment.
Mufti referenced the case of Nazir Ahmad Wani, a Tehsildar from Bellow, Pulwama, who was dismissed under Article 311 and faced imprisonment under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for several years, only to be acquitted of all charges. Mufti noted that Wani’s prolonged ordeal resulted in serious health complications, and he tragically passed away from a cardiac arrest on October 27, 2024. His family now faces significant bureaucratic hurdles in securing his pension and other entitlements.
Mufti further criticized the practice of dismissing individuals without formal inquiries or a chance to defend themselves, calling it an unjust and inhumane practice that not only affects the individuals involved but also places undue strain on their families. She emphasized the creation of a more compassionate and fair review process to prevent further harm and uncertainty for government employees in Jammu and Kashmir.
“The cases of unjust dismissals have created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among government employees,” Mufti said. “It is essential that the Chief Minister adopts a humanitarian approach to address the suffering of these families and bring justice to those who have been unfairly targeted.”
Since 2019, dozens of government employees in Jammu and Kashmir have been dismissed due to their alleged involvement in anti-national activities, with many questioning the fairness and transparency of these actions. Mufti’s call for a review committee is aimed at ensuring justice, transparency, and accountability in the treatment of these cases.
