The suspension of three government employees in Jammu and Kashmir over alleged terror links has sparked a political outcry, with major leaders questioning the legality and fairness of the action.
J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah criticised the decision, calling it a matter of concern. He emphasised that, according to the Indian Constitution, "every accused person is innocent until proven guilty" in a court of law.
On Saturday, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha invoked Article 311(2)(c) of the Constitution to terminate the services of three employees after an investigation by law enforcement and intelligence agencies accused them of having terror links.
This move is part of a broader crackdown, with 70 such cases emerging in the Union Territory in recent years, leading to the dismissal of government employees allegedly connected to terrorist activities.
Also read: J&K govt suspends three employees over suspected terror links
Abdullah, addressing reporters, questioned the legality of the suspensions.
"If there is proof against them (the dismissed employees) and they have been allowed to clear the allegations but failed, action is justified. But if such steps are taken without hearing them, it goes against the principle that every accused is innocent until proven guilty," he remarked.
He further stated, "There should be a court hearing, and if they fail to prove their innocence, the authorities may take any action they deem fit."
PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti also condemned the move, describing it as part of a troubling pattern.
"Arbitrary and summary dismissals of government employees have become a daily occurrence since 2019," she wrote on her X handle.
She added, "What is perhaps most surprising and puzzling is that it continues unabated despite an elected government in power that had promised to put an end to such practices once in office."
Similar sentiments were echoed by Hurriyat Conference Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who criticised the move as authoritarian.
"The termination of three more state employees in such an authoritarian manner is highly condemnable," he posted on X, while also questioning whether the government sought to remove all Kashmiris from public service roles.
Sajad Gani Lone, leader of the Jammu and Kashmir People's Conference, expressed his disapproval, stating, "More than the termination, it reflects Delhi's disdain and contempt toward Kashmiris through these actions."
The latest dismissals have intensified concerns over due process and fairness in disciplinary actions, with political leaders urging a review and greater transparency in such cases.
Also read: New journey started in J&K post Art 370 abrogation: Dhankhar
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