Sat Nov 30 16:32:44 UTC 2024: ## J&K Opposition Demands Chief Minister’s Intervention in Employee Terminations

**Srinagar, November 30, 2024** – Several political parties in Jammu and Kashmir are demanding that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah intervene to halt the dismissal of government employees under Article 311. Their calls follow the termination of two employees – a teacher and a pharmacist – on Friday by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for alleged anti-national activities.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), Hurriyat Conference, and Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference all criticized the L-G’s actions, accusing the administration of acting as judge, jury, and executioner without due process. They highlighted the lack of departmental inquiries or judicial processes before termination.

Specifically targeting Chief Minister Abdullah, who heads the General Administration Department, opposition leaders questioned his silence on the issue. Sajad Lone of the J&K Peoples Conference accused Abdullah of failing to uphold his electoral mandate and fight for the affected employees. Similar sentiments were echoed by other party leaders, who pointed to the National Conference’s manifesto promise to review such termination cases.

At least 60 employees have been terminated in J&K since 2020 under Article 311, prompting widespread concern among opposition parties about the impact on families, particularly during the harsh winter months. The opposition’s united front underscores growing pressure on the Chief Minister to address these dismissals and ensure fairness in the process.

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