By Tehelka Web Desk
The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Thursday dismissed a government employee in Kashmir over alleged links with militancy, taking the number of employees terminated on similar grounds to around 86 since 2020.
Officials identified the employee as Mohammad Shafi Malik, 51, a resident of Arwani in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district. He was serving as an inspector at Hassanpora Tawella in the district.
According to police records, Malik was named in multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) registered under various provisions of the Arms Act, as well as charges related to rioting and unlawful assembly.
The latest action is part of an ongoing drive launched by the Lieutenant Governor-led administration in 2020 to remove government employees accused of having links with militant activities.
Around 86 government employees have been terminated from service under the administration of Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha since the initiative began.
The dismissals have been carried out under amended provisions of Article 311, which were introduced in 2020. Under the amended rules, a government employee can be removed from service without a departmental inquiry in certain cases.
The issue has remained politically contentious in Jammu and Kashmir. The government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had opposed such dismissals in its election manifesto. However, no policy changes have been introduced, as law and order remains under the jurisdiction of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in the Union Territory.
