Reinstate J&K staff dismissed on terror charges: Mehbooba Mufti to Omar Abdullah

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has written to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, urging the reinstatement of government employees dismissed on terror charges over the past five years, following the abrogation of Article 370, which stripped the erstwhile state of its special status.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief highlighted the “plight of families whose members have been arbitrarily dismissed from government service on flimsy grounds, without thorough investigation or a fair trial”. She appealed to Abdullah to adopt a “humanitarian approach to alleviate the suffering of these families”.
“The abrupt dismissal of government employees without due process-a pattern that started since 2019-has left many families devastated and, in some cases, destitute,” Mufti said.
She cited an example of one Nazir Ahmad Wani in Pulwama, a Tehsildar who was arrested on terror charges, which was ultimately dropped by the court. He died later.
“The dismissal of individuals like Mr. Wani, without formal enquiry or a chance for defence, affects more than the individuals; it strains their families and creates an atmosphere of uncertainty for all government employees in Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing these injustices is urgent,” Mufti added.
The former Chief Minister also proposed establishing a review committee to reassess these cases and facilitate the reinstatement of the officials.
This committee could work towards conducting “fair and thorough reviews of each case, allowing affected individuals or their families to present their side, prioritise support for families in dire need, like Mr. Wani’s, ensuring swift financial relief and processing of entitlements and developing clear guidelines to prevent similar injustices in the future, mandating full enquiry and legal oversight before any dismissal action (sic),” the letter said.
Calling for “prompt and decisive” action to “correct these wrongs”, she noted such a step will not only bring relief but also justice to those affected.