Decision on STF arbitrary, says Tarigami

New Delhi, April 22

CPM leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami on Thursday said there was no need for the J&K administration to constitute a special task force (STF) to deal with government employees allegedly involved in “anti-national activities” as there were already enough provisions in the law to act against such people.

The administration on Wednesday set up a STF for identifying and scrutinising cases of employees involved in “suspected activities” against the government.

“The latest order can serve as a tool for the government and bureaucrats to suppress their subordinates. A sword of uncertainty has been kept on the heads of employees which can also be exploited by their superiors,” he added.

Dismissing an employee or taking punitive action against him without holding any inquiry is against the principles of justice and basic rights, Tarigami said.

“An employee is first a citizen and has all the constitutional rights. The need is to safeguard these constitutional rights,” he added. Demanding a review, he said such measures deepen anger and discontentment among the ranks of employees. — TNS