J&K administration seeks explanation from govt employees for political meeting

The Jammu and Kashmir Administration has initiated inquiries against over 20 government employees for their participation in a meeting organized for Senior National Conference leader and Former Minister, Mian Altaf, held in Kheora village of Rajouri district on February 23. The meeting took place at the residence of a head constable of the Jammu Kashmir Police.

According to sources, the J&K Government has called for explanations from the implicated employees, including Assistant Executive Engineers, Junior Engineers, police personnel, and revenue officials, for their involvement in the National Conference meeting. An official stated, “We have sought explanations from these officials regarding their participation. Any action will be taken only after receiving their replies.”

This move comes in the wake of a viral message circulating on social media, alleging the involvement of over three dozen government employees in the meeting held at the cop’s residence in Rajouri. However, independent verification revealed that some of the names mentioned in the viral message did not attend the meeting. The government is expected to take appropriate action following the submission of explanations by the implicated officials.

The Jammu and Kashmir Administration, under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, has instructed district heads and departmental heads to ensure the neutrality of government employees and prohibit their involvement in political activities. Departments are anticipated to issue advisories to employees, prohibiting their participation in political events leading up to the Lok Sabha Polls in Jammu and Kashmir.

The controversy arose during the visit of National Conference leader Mian Altaf, a potential candidate for the Rajouri-Anantnag Lok Sabha seat if the party contests independently in Jammu and Kashmir.

Meanwhile, the Congress has proposed an alliance with the National Conference and the People’s Democratic Party in the region, aiming to forge a coalition with the two major regional parties.