J&K Government Employees Barred From Protesting for Demands

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) government employees have been barred from demonstrating or striking for their demands. The Union Territory’s political leadership has slammed the  decision.

An order issued on Friday barred employees from participating in demonstrations and warned them of action, in case, of violation citing Rule 20 (i) of the Jammu and Kashmir Government Employees (Conduct) Rules, 1971.

“No government employee shall resort to or in any way abet any form of strike in connection with any matter pertaining to his service or the service of any other government employee,” the order read.

The order, issued by the General Administration Department, added that “the provision of law is not merely declaratory in nature and shall definitely entail consequences in the event of any such employee found immersive in such acts”.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti said that the decision shows a “dictatorial mindset”. 

“Lt Governor’s administration’s blanket ban on peaceful protests by government employees reeks of a dictatorial mindset. Stifling voices of reason in a democracy is unacceptable. Threatening them with dire consequences and disciplinary action is outrageous,” she posted on X. 

LG admin’s blanket ban on peaceful
protests by government employees reeks of a dictatorial mindset. Stifling voices of reason in a democracy is unacceptable. Threatening them with dire consequences & disciplinary action is outrageous. pic.twitter.com/oapnHnOpco

— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) November 4, 2023

CPI(M) Central Committee member and former Kulgam MLA MY Tarigami also questioned the decision, which “contravenes International Labour Organisation convention, to which India is a party”.

“Government employees only stage demonstrations and rallies when their legitimate and just demands are not fulfilled. The directive is yet another assault on the employees’ and workers’ constitutional rights,” he tweeted.

The order contravenes the ILO conventions to which India is a party. Government employees only stage demonstrations and rallies when their legitimate and just demands are not fulfilled. The directive is yet another assault on the employees' and workers' constitutional rights. pic.twitter.com/rEqvFaPnk6

— M Y Tarigami (@tarigami) November 3, 2023

PDP spokesperson MR Rather said that the ban on “genuine” strikes and protests of employees is “arbitrary” and “unacceptable”.

The former president of Employees Joint Action Committee and former chairman of JK Teachers Forum urged the administration to immediately retract the order. He added that J&K employees feel “harassed and humiliated” by government actions against them.

“The government is hiding behind quoted articles to humiliate, harass and intimidate employee leaders so that they don’t raise voice concerning employees issues, which is an affront to the very essence of democracy,” he told NewsClick.