Jammu and Kashmir government sacks 12 officials for alleged anti-national activities

Mangalore Today News Network

Srinagar, Oct 20, 2016:  The Jammu and Kashmir government has sacked 12 officials, charging them with "anti-national activities" for having allegedly played a role in fuelling the unrest in the state. Several others are being watched closely, sources said.

Their dismissal was ordered on Wednesday evening. The employees who have been sacked include an assistant registrar of Kashmir University, besides others from the education, revenue, public health, engineering and food supplies departments of the state government, news agency IANS reported.

It quoted a top officer as saying, "Reports on their anti-national activities prepared by the state police were forwarded to the Chief Secretary, who then directed respective heads of departments to issue orders terminating their services."

More than 90 people have been killed and over 12,000 injured in violent clashes in Kashmir since July 8, when Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani was killed by security forces. The Centre has said the violent protests and stone throwing have been organised and encouraged by insurgents backed by Pakistan.

This is second time in 26 years of militancy in Kashmir that government officials have been sacked for anti-national activities in the state.

In 1990, five officials were sacked for their pro-separatist stand. That dismissal had led to a three-month-long strike by government employees in Kashmir.