Srinagar, Nov 4 : The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President and Member of the Parliament from Srinagar Dr Farooq Abdullah on Saturday expressed concern over the recent government order on employees saying that it lacks clarity and seems to be aimed at intimidation.
According to a press release, he said, “Legitimate dissent is a distinguishable feature of any democracy. It is not as to whether the issue raised by the protestors is right or wrong or it is justified or unjustified. The fundamental aspect is the right which is conferred upon all people in a democracy.”
In statement former union minister and Congress leader Prof Saifuddin Soz emphasised that the right to engage in a peaceful strike or protest to voice legitimate demands is a democratic entitlement for every citizen, including government employees, and every democratic and civilized society allows such protests and these should not be taken away.
He called upon the Lieutenant Governor to intervene in the matter and ensure the withdrawal of this “undemocratic” directive.
Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chief spokesperson Salman Nizami said that the order is speaking volumes about the insensitivity of administration which attempts to muzzle the voices of dissent and sabotage the democratic process, a press release said. “To warn government employees against organising and participating in peaceful protests for their genuine demands lacks the credibility and legitimacy,” he said. He said the administration must revoke the order.
Apni Party’s state secretary and spokesperson, Muntazir Mohiuddin emphasised that the right to engage in a strike or protest to voice legitimate demands is a democratic entitlement for every citizen, including government employees, and every democratic and civilised society allows such protests.
Muntazir called upon the Lieutenant Governor (LG) to intervene in the matter and ensure the withdrawal of this “undemocratic” directive. He said, “I request LG Manoj Sinha Ji to examine this issue and ensure the “undemocratic” order restricting government employees from engaging in protests and demonstrations is taken back.”
Chairman Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Front and former Minister Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen has said instead of issuing harsh orders , government should try to meet demands of the employees through talks and reconciliation.
He said in a democratic set up every citizen including employees have every right to seek redressal of thier problems and demands. He said government was duty bound to protect the rights of their employees adding that the government action was contrary to the constitutional rights about freedom of rights and expression. PDF leader has urged the government to roll back this order immediately and negotiate with the employees to redress their grievances.