Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday wrote to J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urging him to constitute a high-level review committee to reassess the cases of dismissal of employees during the last five years.
Over the last few years, the J&K government has terminated the services of over 60 employees for being a “threat” to the security of the state The employees were sacked by invoking Article 311 (2) (c) of the Constitution of India, which allows the government to terminate employees without seeking an explanation from them or ordering an inquiry into their conduct.
Mufti posted the letter on her social media account and said that she had written to CM about the sad plight of the families whose members have been “arbitrarily” dismissed from government services on “flimsy grounds” without a thorough investigation and fair trial.
“Hope Omer Sb takes a humanitarian view to alleviate the sufferings of these families,” she said on X.
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In her letter to Omar, Mufti said the dismissals of the employees has deeply impacted countless lives across our region.
“The abrupt dismissal of government employees without due process-a pattern that started since 2019-has left many families devastated and, in some cases, destitute,” she said in the letter.
Mufti said during a recent visit to the family of Nazir Ahmad Wani in Bellow, Pulwama, she witnessed firsthand the painful consequences of such actions.
“Mr Wani, a dedicated Tehsildar, faced dismissal under Article 311, arrest under UAPA, and years of incarceration before the courts ultimately acquitted him of all charges. Tragically, his ordeal led to serious health complications, and he passed away from a cardiac arrest on October 27, 2024. His grieving family-his wife and five children-now confronts not only the emotional loss but also significant bureaucratic delays in securing his pension and entitlements, “she said
“The dismissal of individuals like Mr Wani, without formal inquiry or a chance for defence, affects more than the individuals; it strains their families and creates an atmosphere of uncertainty for all government employees in Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing these injustices is urgent, ” she added.
Mufti proposed the establishment of a review committee that can systematically reassess such cases.
She suggested that this committee could work towards the reevaluation of dismissals and conduct fair and thorough reviews of each case, allowing affected individuals or their families to present their side.
She also suggested immediate humanitarian assistance for such families.
“Prioritise support for families in dire need, like Mr Wani’s, ensuring swift financial relief and processing of entitlements, ” she said.
She also requested policy reform recommendations which will develop clear guidelines to prevent similar injustices in the future, mandating full inquiry and legal oversight before any dismissal action.
“Mr Nazir Ahmad Wani’s case serves as a sombre reminder of the far-reaching impact of administrative overreach. I urge us to take prompt and decisive action to correct these wrongs, bringing not only relief but also justice to those enduring such hardship, ” she said.
