2 min readSrinagarMar 10, 2026 05:59 PM IST
Three workers engaged by the Jammu and Kashmir Jal Shakti Department have been dismissed from service by the government, citing FIRs pertaining to alleged “anti-national and subversive” activities.
The workers were Liyaqat Ali Bhagwan, a need-based casual labourer (NBCL) and Kousar Hussain Bhagwan, also an NBCL, both from Kishtwar in the Jammu region; and Showkat Ahmad Zargar, a daily rated wager (DRW) from Bijbehara in South Kashmir.
The government order dismissing them from service detailed their alleged offences, including a 2019 FIR under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) pertaining to allegations of involvement in “terrorist acts”, conspiracy to commit terrorist acts, harbouring terrorists, and membership/support of a terrorist organisation. A chargesheet has been filed in this case, and Liyaqat Ali remains under trial. Kousar Hussain is also named in the same FIR and is under trial.
Showkat Zargar was booked in a separate FIR, pertaining to the Arms Act and the UAPA in 2019. He also remains under trial.
The J&K administration has terminated the services of over 80 employees over the last three years under provisions of Article 311 (2)(c) of the Constitution, which allows the government to terminate an employee without ordering an inquiry or giving them a chance to explain their position in the interest of national security. However, Tuesday’s order was not issued under Article 311, but was an action taken by the department itself.
