Srinagar, March 10:
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has intensified its cleanup of government departments, terminating the services of three workers in the Jal Shakti Department for their alleged involvement in anti-national and subversive activities.
The orders, issued in the “interest of administration,” follow investigations that linked the individuals to serious charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), including conspiracy and support for terrorist organizations.
Profiles of the Terminated Personnel
The government issued three separate orders targeting daily wagers and casual laborers across the Anantnag and Kishtwar districts.
1. Showkat Ahmad Zargar (Anantnag)
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Role: Daily Rated Wager (DRW) at Bijbehara.
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Legal Standing: Involved in FIR No. 53/2019.
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Charges: Sections 307 RPC (Attempt to Murder), 7/27 Arms Act, and Sections 16 and 18 of the UAPA.
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Details: Allegations include involvement in terrorist acts, conspiracy, and harboring terrorists. A chargesheet has been filed, and the case is currently under trial.
2. Liyaqat Ali Bhagwan (Kishtwar)
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Role: Need-based Casual Labourer at Berwar.
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Legal Standing: Involved in FIR No. 230/2019.
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Charges: Sections 13, 18, 19, 38, and 39 of the UAPA.
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Details: Linked to allegations of membership and support of terrorist organizations and conspiracy to commit acts of terror.
3. Kousar Hussain Bhagwan (Kishtwar)
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Role: Need-based Casual Labourer at Huller, PHE Sub-Division.
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Legal Standing: Also linked to FIR No. 230/2019.
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Charges: Similar UAPA sections as Liyaqat Ali Bhagwan.
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Details: The investigation into his role in harboring and providing support to subversive elements has resulted in a filed chargesheet.
The Legal Framework: UAPA and RPC
The terminations rely heavily on the findings of investigative agencies and the subsequent filing of chargesheets. By invoking the “interest of administration,” the government has signaled a zero-tolerance policy toward employees—whether permanent or contractual—whose conduct compromises national security.
Summary of Enforcement Actions:
| Individual | District | Specific Location | Legal Basis (FIR) | Key Allegations | Employment Status |
| Showkat Ahmad Zargar | Anantnag | Bijbehara | 53/2019 | Attempted murder, Arms Act violations, and harboring terrorists. | Disengaged |
| Liyaqat Ali Bhagwan | Kishtwar | Berwar | 230/2019 | Conspiracy, membership, and support of a terrorist organization. | Disengaged |
| Kousar Hussain Bhagwan | Kishtwar | Huller | 230/2019 | Subversive activities and providing support to terror outfits. | Disengaged |
Official Stance
The Jal Shakti Department stated that these actions were “forthwith,” meaning the workers were removed immediately upon the issuance of the orders. The cases against all three men remain under trial in their respective courts. This move follows a broader trend in the Union Territory over the last year, where dozens of employees have been dismissed under Article 311(2)(c) and related administrative rules for alleged links to secessionist networks.
