NC-led Govt monitoring employee terminations: Farooq Abdullah

Says reasons for firing employees under scrutiny; arbitrary actions unacceptable

KNO

Srinagar, Dec 02 : National Conference (NC) patriarch Farooq Abdullah on Monday said the government is keeping an eye over the reasons behind the LG administration’s recent decision of terminating two government employees and that such actions will be reviewed thoroughly by the government.

The Jammu and Kashmir government last week terminated two government employees, including a schoolteacher, from services for their alleged involvement in anti-national activities and terror links.

The government [elected] is keeping a close eye on such developments and will thoroughly examine the reasons that have been provided for the termination of the government employees. These actions cannot be arbitrary,” Abdullah said.

As per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Farooq Abdullah while speaking to reporters after returning from Umrah said that he prayed to God to end the hatred being spread among religions.

When asked about the issue of surveys being conducted of mosques and shrines across the country, Abdullah termed it a “real problem”.” I prayed to God as much as I could, asking for mercy to free us from these difficulties. For those who are working to increase hatred, I prayed that God blocks their paths. I urge the Indian government to stop the divisive actions. Muslims, who are 240 million in number, cannot simply be cast aside. Equal treatment for Muslims is essential, as our Constitution guarantees equality irrespective of religion or language. The government must remember this. Any violation of the Constitution raises questions about India itself,” Abdullah said.

Speaking about the demands of some Kashmir Pandit organisations for separate colonies, Abdullah gauged in his words said the KPs are welcome to return home. “When I was Chief Minister, Article 370 was still in place, and we made every effort for their [pandits] welfare. The difficult circumstances of that time were beyond anyone’s control. [Now] No one stops the Kashmiri Pandits from returning. All political parties have welcomed them back. It is their decision when to return; it is not for us to decide. Our hearts remain open to them.”

He also welcomed the ceasefire by Israel, demanding at the same time that attacks on Syria and Iran must stop without delay. “As for the ceasefire in Israel, it is a positive step, and there has also been a ceasefire in Lebanon. However, what is urgently needed is a ceasefire in Gaza, where the situation remains dire. The actions by the U.S. and Israel in Syria and Iran are dangerous, and they, too, must move toward a ceasefire. You may have heard the debates in the UN Security Council. If the Council has any purpose, Israel should act on its directions, allow humanitarian aid to enter the affected areas, and work towards peace.

The NC patriarch however, when asked about the issue of reservations didn’t answer in detail. “The issue pertaining to reservations should be reviewed and provided to deserving groups, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds. Reservations were introduced to bring equality, and this goal must be upheld,” Abdullah said—