Kashmir leaders criticize Amit Shah on talking about govt jobs of Kashmiris
Srinagar: Kashmiri leaders across the board have strongly criticized Indian Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent statement regarding the employment eligibility of relatives of people involved in freedom movement. Shah’s comments have sparked significant backlash from various political figures in the region, who argue that this policy is discriminatory and unjust.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Amit Shah, in a recent address, stated that relatives of individuals accused of their involvement in freedom movement would be barred from obtaining government jobs. This announcement comes as part of a broader strategy aimed at countering terrorism and ensuring national security. However, the specifics of how this policy would be implemented remain unclear.
Kashmiri political leaders have strongly condemned Amit Shah’s remarks about denying government jobs to relatives of accused, saying that such policies are unfair and punitive. They claim that this measure is a mere excuse to target the people of Kashmir further.
Several prominent Kashmiri leaders from Kashmir have voiced their objections to Shah’s remarks. They argue that this policy unfairly targets the families of accused individuals, many of whom may have no involvement in any illegal activities.
Farooq Abdullah, a senior leader of National Conference and former Chief Minister of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), has described Shah’s statement as “an excuse to punish the people of Kashmir.” Abdullah emphasized that such policies would only deepen the alienation and resentment among the Kashmiri population.
Mehbooba Mufti, another former Chief Minister and president of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), echoed similar sentiments. She stated, “Denying jobs to innocent relatives of the accused is a gross violation of human rights. This will not help in addressing the root causes.”
Critics argue that the policy could have severe socio-economic implications for the region. By barring relatives of accused from government employment, the policy could further marginalize families who are already under social and economic stress. Moreover, it raises concerns about the collective punishment and the erosion of civil liberties.
Legal experts have also weighed in, suggesting that such a policy could face challenges in courts. They argue that penalizing individuals for the alleged crimes of their relatives contradicts the principles of justice and individual accountability enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
