Mehbooba Mufti writes to CM Omar Abdullah to address employee dismissal cases

Srinagar, Nov 11 – People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti has written to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, voicing her concerns over the abrupt dismissal of government employees in Jammu and Kashmir without due process.

In her letter, dated November 10, 2024, Mufti emphasized the severe repercussions these dismissals have on families throughout J&K, underscoring the importance of fairness and transparency in handling such cases.

Citing a recent visit to the family of Nazir Ahmad Wani, a Tehsildar from Pulwama who was dismissed under Article 311 and arrested under UAPA, Mufti highlighted the personal toll of these actions. Although Wani was ultimately acquitted of all charges, the prolonged ordeal gravely impacted his health, resulting in his death from cardiac arrest on October 27, 2024. His family, now deprived of their primary support, is further burdened by bureaucratic delays in accessing his pension and entitlements.

“The dismissal of individuals like Wani, without formal inquiry or the opportunity for defense, affects more than just the employees; it places significant strain on their families and fosters uncertainty among all government employees in Jammu and Kashmir,” Mufti stated.

To address these concerns, Mufti proposed the formation of a review committee to reassess such cases and offered the following recommendations:

1. Reevaluation of Dismissals – Implement fair reviews allowing individuals or their families to present their case.
2. Immediate Humanitarian Assistance – Ensure prioritized support for affected families, including prompt financial relief.
3. Policy Reform Recommendations – Create comprehensive guidelines mandating full inquiry and legal oversight before any dismissal is enforced.
4. Recognition of Nazir Ahmad Wani’s Case – Use Wani’s experience as a cautionary example of administrative overreach and the need for corrective measures to uphold justice.

Mufti called for “prompt and decisive action” from the government to address these issues, emphasizing that such measures would provide relief to affected families and rebuild trust among government employees in Jammu and Kashmir.