J&K: Doctors Association of Kashmir president among 4 govt employees sacked over terror links

The Jammu & Kashmir administration has dismissed four employees, including the self-styled president of the Doctors Association of Kashmir (DAK), for engaging in anti-national and terrorism-related activities.

The four individuals—a doctor, a police constable, a teacher, and a laboratory bearer in the higher education department—were terminated by the UT administration invoking the authority granted by Article 311(2)(c) of the Indian Constitution, allowing dismissal without an inquiry. They are identified as Dr Nissar-ul-Hassan, the self-styled president of DAK, Salam Rather, Abdul Majeed Bhat and Farooq Ahmad Mir.

This is part of the administration's effort to counter the terrorist ecosystem and its affiliates who had infiltrated the government system through various political regimes in the past.

In the past three years, more than 50 employees have been removed under Article 311(2)(c) of the Constitution due to their alleged involvement in activities against the nation's interests and ties to terrorism.

A government order regarding the dismissal of Hassan stated, "Considering the facts and circumstances of the case and based on available information, the activities of Dr Nisar-ul-Hassan, assistant professor, medicine, SMHS Hospital, Srinagar, are deemed to warrant dismissal from service. The Lieutenant Governor (LG) is satisfied under sub-clause (c) of the proviso to clause (2) of Article 311 of the Constitution of India that it is in the interest of the state's security. Therefore, it is not expedient to hold an inquiry in the case of Dr. Nisar-ul-Hassan. Accordingly, the Lieutenant Governor hereby dismisses from service."

The process of removing employees linked to terrorism commenced after the revocation of Article 370. Since then, the government has consistently taken action against individuals involved in anti-national activities. The dismissed employees belonged to various government departments, including the police.