J&K administration fires 55 employees for militancy promotion

The Jammu and Kashmir administration, terminated 55 government employees on grounds of allegedly promoting militancy within the Union territory. This action follows the revocation of J&K’s special status in 2019 and the establishment of a specialized task force in 2021 to identify such employees.
Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha reiterated the administration’s strong stance against providing financial support to individuals involved in militancy during an address at the Shikara Fest, a cultural event in Delhi. He stated that the process of taking action against those aiding militancy will continue in the future.
Under Article 311(2)(c) of the Constitution, the administration has the authority to dismiss government employees without inquiry if it deems this necessary for the security of the state. Since the formation of the special task force in April 2021, several prominent figures and individuals in crucial government positions have faced dismissals. Notable cases include the chief manager of the J&K bank in August and three government employees, including the public relations officer of Kashmir University, in July. Among those discharged are a chemistry professor, the sons of Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin, and a deputy superintendent in the Jammu and Kashmir prisons department.
These actions have garnered criticism from trade unions and political leaders. PDP president Mehbooba Mufti has condemned the dismissals as “arbitrary” and aimed at instilling fear in the Kashmiri population.
In recent months, the police in Kashmir have seized numerous properties for their alleged involvement in aiding militants and providing support to them.