J&K LG dismisses 4 Govt staff without enquiry over ‘threat to state’s security’

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has terminated the services of four government employees, including two policemen, without holding an enquiry over the alleged threat to the security of the state, which is the cited reason for the dismissal.

The terminations, executed under Article 311 (2) (c) of the Indian Constitution, allow for the dismissal of government employees without an inquiry, The Indian Express reported.

The dismissed individuals are Mushtaq Ahmad Pir, a senior-grade constable from Handwara; Imtiyaz Ahmad Lone, a police constable from Gamraj village in Tral; Bazil Ahmad Mir, a junior assistant in the education department from Khurhama village in Kupwara; and Mohd Zaid Shah, a village-level worker in the rural development department from Basgran village in Uri, Baramulla district. The dismissal orders were uniformly worded, emphasizing the administration's stance on maintaining state security.

The administration stated that the activities of these employees posed a threat to the security of the state, necessitating their immediate dismissal. The Lieutenant Governor, after reviewing the facts and circumstances, concluded that it was not expedient to hold inquiries in these cases due to security concerns. This provision under Article 311 (2) (c) allows for such actions when it is deemed that an inquiry is not in the interest of state security.

This latest action brings the total number of government employees terminated in Jammu and Kashmir over the past four years to 64. The terminations have sparked criticism from mainstream political parties in the Valley, who argue that such measures are severe and could have broader implications for civil liberties and employment rights.

The recent dismissals follow a similar pattern observed last month when the government terminated the services of four other employees, including two policemen, an assistant lineman in the Jal Shakti department, and a Rehbar-e-Taleem (ReT) teacher. These actions underscore the ongoing tension between administrative measures for state security and the concerns raised by political entities regarding due process and employee rights in Jammu and Kashmir.