In a letter dated November 10, 2024, Mufti highlighted the impact of these actions on families across the JK highlighting the need for fairness and transparency in handling such cases.
Mufti recounted a recent visit to the family of Nazir Ahmad Wani, a Tehsildar from Pulwama who faced dismissal under Article 311 and was arrested under UAPA. Despite being acquitted of all charges, Wani’s prolonged ordeal took a toll on his health, leading to his death from cardiac arrest on October 27, 2024. His family, now left without his support, is also facing significant bureaucratic delays in accessing his pension and entitlements.
According to Mufti, “The dismissal of individuals like Wani, without formal inquiry 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.
To address this issue, Mufti proposed the establishment of a review committee to reassess cases like Wani’s. She outlined the following recommendations for the committee:
Reevaluation of Dismissals – Conduct fair reviews allowing individuals or their families to present their side. Immediate Humanitarian Assistance – Prioritise support for families in need, ensuring swift financial relief. Policy Reform Recommendations – Develop clear guidelines to prevent similar issues in the future, mandating full inquiry and legal oversight before any dismissal. Acknowledgement of Nazir Ahmad Wani’s Case – Mufti described Wani’s case as a reminder of the impact of administrative overreach and urged corrective action to ensure justice for affected families.
Mufti called for “prompt and decisive action” from the government to rectify these wrongs, stressing that such steps would not only relieve affected families but also restore confidence among government employees in the JK (KNS)