150 govt employees under J&K police scanner, PSA against six

J&K government spokesperson and state education minister Nayeem Akhtar said, “This is a usual exercise by the administration to find out if there is any evidence (against these employees). If evidence is found against anybody, the law will take its own course — whether an employee or non-employee. Obviously, whoever creates trouble will have to pay for it.”

Sources said that district police chiefs in the Valley have prepared lists of government employees who, they believe, are part of protests or are “instigating” protesters. The lists — about 150 employees figure in them — have been forwarded to the deputy commissioners concerned.

“The deputy commissioners will start a departmental inquiry against these officials and, if their role in instigating protesters is found, action would be taken,” a senior police officer told The Indian Express.

A senior district officer in south Kashmir confirmed that he has received one such list. “Police have prepared these lists. They think these employees have a role in the protests and want the government to act against them,” he said. “We can only forward the lists to the departmental heads concerned, who can take action, if required.”

On the lists are names of six gazetted officers from south Kashmir, including a deputy chief education officer, a block development officer, an officer at Kashmir University and two college teachers.

Sources said several employees have been suspended or issued showcause notices by deputy commissioners, asking for an explanation over their “role in the protests”.

Those booked under the PSA include a headmaster of a government high school in Pulwama, who is set to retire in six months, two teachers and a storekeeper in the food and supplies department. Police sources said most government employees have been released on bail.

Akhtar said action would be taken on case-to-case basis. “The administration will go through the usual procedure. It can’t take action against any employee without going through the process laid down. No witch-hunting, but whatever is required for the ends of justice to meet, will be done,” he said.