Security – Jammu and Kashmir Government Disengages Three Jal Shakti Workers Over Allegations
Security – The Jammu and Kashmir administration has removed three workers associated with the Jal Shakti Department following allegations linking them to activities considered harmful to national security. Officials confirmed that the decision was taken as an administrative measure after cases related to terrorism and unlawful activities were registered against the individuals.
Officials Issue Separate Orders for Disengagement
The removal of the three workers was announced through separate official orders issued by Shaleen Kabra, Financial Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary of the Jal Shakti Department. According to the orders, the employees were disengaged with immediate effect due to their alleged involvement in anti-national and subversive activities.
Authorities stated that the step was taken in the interest of the administration and in view of ongoing legal proceedings connected to the workers. The orders specify that the individuals will no longer continue in their respective roles within the department.
Workers Identified From Kishtwar and Anantnag Districts
The disengaged employees have been identified as Liyaqat Ali Bhagwan and Kousar Hussain Bhagwan, both working as need-based casual labourers in the Kishtwar district. Liyaqat Ali Bhagwan was posted in Berwar, while Kousar Hussain Bhagwan was assigned to Huller under the Public Health Engineering Sub-Division in Kishtwar.
The third worker, Showkat Ahmad Zargar, had been employed as a daily wager in Bijbehara, located in the Anantnag district. Officials confirmed that all three workers were engaged on temporary or casual employment terms rather than holding permanent government positions.
Cases Registered Under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act
Government records indicate that Liyaqat Ali Bhagwan and Kousar Hussain Bhagwan were both named in FIR No. 230/2019. The case includes charges under several provisions of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), specifically Sections 13, 18, 19, 38 and 39.
These sections deal with offences such as involvement in terrorist activities, conspiracy to carry out terrorist acts, harbouring individuals linked to terrorism, and providing support or membership to a banned organisation.
Officials noted that investigations in the case were completed and a chargesheet was filed under the relevant sections of the UAPA. The matter is currently under trial before the court.
Separate Case Filed Against Third Worker
Showkat Ahmad Zargar was named in a different case registered as FIR No. 53/2019. According to the official order, the case includes charges under Section 307 of the Ranbir Penal Code related to attempted murder, as well as Sections 7 and 27 of the Arms Act.
In addition, charges under Sections 16, 18 and 19 of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act were also included in the case. Authorities said the charges relate to alleged involvement in terrorist acts, conspiracy related to such activities and providing assistance to banned organisations.
Officials stated that the investigation in this case was completed and a chargesheet was subsequently filed. The legal proceedings are currently underway in court.
Administrative Crackdown Since 2021
The recent disengagements form part of a broader administrative approach taken by the Jammu and Kashmir government in recent years. Since 2021, the administration led by the Lieutenant Governor has dismissed several government employees accused of links with anti-national activities.
According to official figures, a total of 85 employees have been removed from government service during this period under provisions related to national security.
Action Taken Under Constitutional Provision
The dismissals and disengagements have been carried out by invoking provisions under Article 311(2)(c) of the Constitution of India. This clause allows the government to terminate an employee without following the usual disciplinary procedure if it determines that continuing the person in service could threaten the security of the state.
Officials have stated that the measure is used in exceptional circumstances and is applied after reviewing evidence and security assessments.
Increased Scrutiny After Administrative Changes in 2019
Government officials have indicated that stricter oversight of public employees has been implemented in the Union Territory following major constitutional and administrative changes in August 2019. At that time, Articles 370 and 35A were revoked and the former state of Jammu and Kashmir was reorganised into two Union Territories.
Since then, authorities have emphasized stronger monitoring within government departments to address security concerns and maintain administrative integrity.