Advocates dialogue for government employees’ barred from any type of protest
Bandipora: During a party function in Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, vice president of the National Conference, Omar Abdullah, emphasised the importance of allowing government employees the opportunity to voice their concerns through appropriate channels.
The former chief minister suggested that the administration should provide avenues for employees to have their genuine demands addressed, rather than prohibiting them from protesting.
Furthermore, Omar highlighted that the National Conference had previously raised the matter of releasing detainees from Jammu and Kashmir who are currently held in various prisons outside the region during an all-party meeting with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi.
Earlier on November 4, JK administration barred employees from demonstrating or striking for their demands.
However, the Union Territory’s politicians including Mehbooba Mufti slammed the decision.
The order barred employees from participating in demonstrations and warned them of action, in case, of violation citing Rule 20 (i) of the Jammu and Kashmir Government Employees (Conduct) Rules, 1971.
“No government employee shall resort to or in any way abet any form of strike in connection with any matter pertaining to his service or the service of any other government employee,” the order read.
The order, issued by the General Administration Department, added that “the provision of law is not merely declaratory in nature and shall definitely entail consequences in the event of any such employee found immersive in such acts”.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti said that the decision shows a “dictatorial mindset”.
“Lt Governor’s administration’s blanket ban on peaceful protests by government employees reeks of a dictatorial mindset. Stifling voices of reason in a democracy is unacceptable. Threatening them with dire consequences and disciplinary action is outrageous,” she posted on X.
