SRINAGAR, In a controversial move, the Modi-led Indian regime has terminated 55 local government employees in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The action, confirmed by IIOJK’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha during an event in New Delhi, is part of efforts to suppress pro-freedom activities in the region.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the employees were dismissed following the revocation of J&K’s special status in 2019 and the formation of a special task force in 2021 to identify government employees supporting pro-freedom activities. Sinha emphasized that the administration would not tolerate financial support for such activities in IIOJK.

“Around 55 government employees and workers have been dismissed for promoting terrorism [freedom activities]. This action will continue against those facilitating terrorism [freedom],” stated Sinha.

Since the revocation of J&K’s special status and its division into two Union territories, the administration has been using Article 311(2)(c) of the Indian Constitution to dismiss government employees.

These terminations have sparked criticism from trade unions and political figures. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti has labeled these actions as “arbitrary” and aimed at “intimidating Kashmiris into submission.”