J&K parties target Omar Abdullah over termination of two employees by L-G

J&K parties criticize Chief Minister Abdullah for employee terminations, calling for intervention and justice under Article 311.

Several J&K parties on Saturday (November 30, 2024) targeted Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and sought his intervention to stop the termination of employees under Article 311, a day after two persons were removed from service by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and legislator Waheed ur Rehman Parra expressed shock over the policy to dismiss employees without departmental inquiry or judicial process. “It’s shocking how the government acts as judge, jury, and executioner, denying the aggrieved even a proper hearing. Such brazen overreach is unacceptable and must stop. Mr. Abdullah-sahab heads the GAD (General Administration Department) and his silence on these terminations cannot be justified,” Mr. Parra said.

Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) legislator Sheikh Khursheed said it was sad and unfortunate. “I urge the Chief Minister to intervene and take concrete steps. Did Mr. Abdullah asked questions on such issues when he approved the Lieutenant Governor’s speech in the Assembly?” Mr. Khursheed said.

Hurriyat chairperon and Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq too opposed the L-G’s move. “Two more government employees terminated by the stroke of a pen without any legal recourse. Families are rendered destitute before the onset of harsh winter. Punishment and fear are the hallmark of an authoritarian mindset that has been ruling us here. The elected administration should take immediate measures to stop this injustice and reinstate all those terminated in this unjust manner even without a hearing,” the Mirwaiz said.

J&K Peoples Conference president Sajad Lone also tried to corner Mr. Abdullah over the issue. “The Kashmiris have given you (Mr. Abdullah) the mandate. Go out there and fight for them. Where is the roar that you threatened to roar? Why am I and many more like me hearing a ‘meow’. Not a single day passes when the elected government is not undermined. And now two employees have been terminated. Again you are quiet,” Mr. Lone said, urging Mr. Abdullah to toughen his stand on issues.

Two government employees, one teacher and a pharmacist, were sacked by the L-G on Friday for alleged anti-national activities. The L-G administration has terminated the service of at least 60 employees since 2020 in J&K under the provisions of Article 311. The ruling National Conference (NC) had promised in its manifesto to review such cases of termination.