SRINAGAR: The J&K govt dismissed from service Tuesday three temporary workers of the Jal Shakti department, citing FIRs registered against them at different police stations for their alleged involvement in “anti-national activities”.Liyaqat Ali Bhagwan, Kousar Hussain Bhagwan and Showkat Ahmad Zargar’s dismissal on the financial commissioner’s recommendation marks a departure from CM Omar Abdullah’s criticism of previous such steps by lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha’s administration. Like PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, also an ex-CM, Omar has consistently argued that such cases should go through courts and due legal process rather than be decided on suspicion.
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Liyaqat and Kousar, both from Jammu’s Kishtwar region, and Showkat, a native of Bijbehara in south Kashmir, have all been charged under sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Showkat is also being tried for attempt to murder along with illegal possession and use of arms under sections 7 and 27 of the Arms Act.The charges against Liyaqat and Kousar include terrorism, unlawful associations, and supporting or harbouring terrorists. Before elections in J&K in 2024, the gubernatorial administration dismissed from service more than 80 govt employees under Article 311 of the Constitution, which authorises termination without a formal inquiry in specified circumstances, such as for an employee’s alleged involvement in anti-national activities. The list of sacked staffers includes teachers in govt schools.
