India dismisses four employees in IIOJK for 'anti-national activities'

One of those dismissed is son of the leader of a freedom group fighting against India

SRINAGAR:

India on Saturday sacked four government employees in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), citing their involvement in activities "prejudicial to the interests of the security of the state".

One of those dismissed is the son of the leader of a freedom group fighting against India in the occupied Himalayan territory.

Also dismissed were two professors at Kashmir University that the administration claims were "radicalising students to advance Pakistan's agenda", and a woman working in rural development that the administration says was funding "anti-India" activities.

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"They have been found involved in activities prejudicial to the interests of the security of the state," senior government officials said, adding that all four employees were dismissed immediately.

India blames Pakistan for stoking unrest in Muslim-majority Kashmir and has stepped up pressure on Pakistan in recent years.

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Pakistan has denied giving material help to Kashmiri separatists but has pledged to provide continued diplomatic and moral support.

In the past year, IIOJK has terminated the contracts of at least 30 government employees for alleged links freedom groups under a law which enables it to sack employees without an inquiry.

Reuters was not able to reach any of the dismissed employees for comment.