Mehbooba calls for review of ‘arbitrary’ dismissals of govt employees since 2019

SRINAGAR — Former chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President, Mehbooba Mufti has written a letter to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, seeking a review of the “arbitrary” dismissal of some government employees since 2019.

In the letter, according to the news agency KNO, she has proposed setting up a review committee that can systematically reassess such cases.

She said that the families of these employees are suffering due to their abrupt termination without due process since 2019, citing the case of one Nazir Ahmad Wani from Bellow village of Pulwama, a Tehsildar, who was dismissed under Article 311 and subsequently detained under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

“Despite being acquitted of all charges, he faced prolonged detention and health issues, ultimately leading to his untimely demise on October 27 this year,” reads the letter. She mentioned that the family of Wani is now struggling with not only emotional trauma but also bureaucratic delays in securing his pension and entitlements.

Mufti also pointed out the broader implications of these dismissals, stating that they create a climate of fear and uncertainty among government employees in Jammu and Kashmir.

She has proposed setting up a review committee to reevaluate these cases, offer immediate financial aid to affected families, and formulate policy reforms to prevent such injustices in the future.

Stressing the need for urgent action, she urged the chief minister to consider the plight of affected families with compassion and take decisive steps to address these grievances.

“Conduct fair and thorough reviews of each case, allowing affected individuals or their families to present their side. Prioritise support for families in dire need, ensuring swift financial relief and processing of entitlements,” she mentioned in the letter.

She also suggested formulating clear guidelines to prevent similar injustices in the future, mandating full inquiry and legal oversight before any dismissal action, urging to take prompt and decisive action to correct these wrongs, bringing not only relief but also justice to those enduring such hardship.