Termination of employees must be decided through courts, not on suspicion: CM Omar
Kupwara, Oct 30: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said any employees suspected of narco-terror links should be prosecuted through courts, as the current system of dismissals does not allow them the opportunity to present their case.
Earlier in the day, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha dismissed two government employees for their alleged links with terrorists.
Reacting to the recent dismissal of two government school teachers, Omar said every accused person deserves a fair opportunity to defend themselves.
“I have always maintained that terminations should go through courts rather than be based on suspicion or unverified allegations. Everyone deserves a fair chance to explain himself,” he said.
The Chief Minister made these remarks while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a public rally in Handwara.
He said the existing system of terminating employees does not allow them to present their side before any competent authority. “It would be better to let courts decide the cases of those found involved in anti-national activities. Arbitrary terminations without transparent investigation or judicial oversight have created fear among employees. Such actions hurt not just individuals but the system as a whole,” he added.
Reaffirming his party’s commitment to protecting the political and economic rights of the people, Omar said the National Conference would continue its struggle for the restoration of special status and constitutional guarantees to Jammu and Kashmir.
“Our opponents are trying to distract and provoke us, but our focus remains firm. Whatever promises we have made to the people in our election manifesto will be fulfilled, come what may,” he said.
Omar said his party’s agenda was centred on justice, equitable development, and fair representation. “Our goal is to ensure honest governance, better infrastructure, and employment opportunities for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. These can only be achieved when representation is just and inclusive,” he said.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the three newly elected Rajya Sabha members from J&K would represent the region effectively. “I am confident that our region’s voice will now be heard in the country’s Upper House, where it had been absent since 2022,” he said.
Earlier, addressing the gathering, Omar announced that after restoration of statehood, our priority will be to grant Handwara a district status, fulfilling a long-pending demand of the people, and said work on the Government Medical College would be expedited.
The convention, organised in honour of Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan, witnessed massive participation of party leaders and workers. Those present included Political Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, newly elected Rajya Sabha member, MLAs Qaiser Jamsheed Lone, Saifullah Mir, Mubarak Gul, Sajad Shafi, and senior leader and former MP Sharifuddin Shariq, among others.
