Jammu: In a recent development within the disputed region of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), a Kashmiri Muslim officer has been suspended by the BJP-led Indian government. The action took place in Kishtwar district and has ignited concerns regarding potential targeted measures against local officials in the area.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the suspension order was issued by the District Election Officer (DEO) of Kishtwar, who serves under the administration installed by New Delhi in IIOJK. The order targeted Masood Ahmed Qazi, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Kishtwar, citing that he had left the office without prior permission. This absence was claimed to disrupt the functioning of the local authorities.

This incident is seen as part of a larger pattern that has been unfolding since August 2019 following the BJP regime’s overhaul of IIOJK’s administrative protocols. Critics of these actions suggest that the suspension of Qazi and similar cases are indicative of a broader strategy to marginalize Muslim employees in favor of individuals who support the Hindutva ideologies. There have been numerous instances where Muslim government employees were suspended or dismissed under various pretexts since the administrative changes, highlighting concerns about the erosion of local representation and the integrity of the governance in the region.