Srinagar, In a move seen as a direct challenge to democratic principles, authorities in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) have issued stark warnings to government employees against participating in demonstrations or strikes. This action underscores the continuing efforts to quell dissent within the region.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the cautionary stance was prompted by indications that employees of the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Department (PDD) were organizing protests against policies considered detrimental to the populace. A circular from the PDD highlighted Rule 20 (ii) of the Jammu and Kashmir Government Employees (Conduct) Rules, 1971, which strictly prohibits government employees from engaging in any strike action concerning their own service conditions or those of other government employees.

The department has expressly warned that any employee found to be involved in planning or participating in such demonstrations or strikes will face severe legal action. This edict serves as a testament to the administration’s broader strategy to suppress any form of opposition or criticism by leveraging regulatory frameworks to deter collective actions.

This directive has been criticized as an infringement on the fundamental rights of government employees, marking a further regression in democratic freedoms in IIOJK. The move to penalize expressions of dissent and the right to protest reflects the ongoing tensions and challenges faced by those living under the administration in the disputed region.