12 gov't employees in Indian-controlled Kashmir sacked for "anti-national" activities

The local government in Indian-controlled Kashmir has sacked 12 employees allegedly for their role in fuelling ongoing turmoil in the restive region, officials said Thursday.

The sacked employees are the mid-level officers including teachers and officials working in different government departments.

"Twelve employees were dismissed from service for their anti-national activities by the government," a senior official said. "The orders were issued on Wednesday evening."

The government action came on a report prepared by the Crime Investigation Department (CID) of police department.

"Some of these sacked employees have been booked under the Public Safety Act (PSA)," the official said.

Indian-controlled Kashmir is grappling with the violent unrest. The region has been witnessing the largest anti-India protests in recent years since July 8, following the killing of a popular militant commander in a gunfight with Indian troops.

Authorities imposed curfew and restrictions to contain street protests. The region is observing a complete strike demanding an end to New Delhi's rule and Thursday marked the 104th day of shutdown. Clashes between protesters and government forces have killed 90 people, and injured at least 12,000 others.

According to Coalition of Civil Societies, a Srinagar-based rights group, around 8,000 civilians have been arrested with over 450 booked under the controversial PSA.

Kashmir, the Himalayan region divided between India and Pakistan, is claimed by both in full. Since their Independence from Britain, the two countries have fought three wars, two exclusively over Kashmir. Endit