Srinagar, The Indian government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has dismissed another government employee in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), continuing its trend of targeting individuals purportedly for their political beliefs or activities. This action is part of a broader pattern of repressive measures against Kashmiri citizens, reflecting the government’s stringent approach towards dissent in the region.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Manzoor Ahmad Laway, hailing from Kulgam district and employed in the Education Department of IIOJK, was the latest individual to be terminated from his position. His dismissal was enacted under Article 311 of the Indian Constitution, which controversially permits the dismissal of employees without necessitating an inquiry.
Authorities have justified Laway’s termination by alleging his involvement in activities that are deemed prejudicial to the interests of India. This claim underscores the Indian government’s ongoing efforts to suppress any form of opposition or criticism within the disputed territory.
The dismissal of government employees in IIOJK on grounds of their alleged support for the Kashmiri freedom movement has become a recurring strategy of the Modi administration. Critics argue that this policy not only seeks to punish those who dissent but is also part of a larger scheme to systematically displace local employees with individuals from outside the region, effectively diluting the indigenous demographic and political influence.
In a related development, the Indian government has also restricted the Twitter account of Muhammad Farooq Rehmani, Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Freedom League, further indicating the extent of the clampdown on freedom of expression in IIOJK.
These actions have raised significant concerns among human rights advocates and international observers, who view them as a violation of the fundamental rights of the Kashmiri people and a detrimental step towards escalating tensions in an already volatile region.