Omar makes R-Day presence must for J&K employees

Call it forced nationalism. The Omar Abdullah dispensation in J&K has made it mandatory for government employees to attend Republic Day (R-Day) functions, failing which would invite disciplinary action.

The circular has given fresh ammo to separatists who have started raising questions about the “popularity” of the new government.

“All officers and officials of the state government and PSUs stationed at Srinagar are called upon to attend the Republic Day function 2009 at Bakshi Stadium. Heads of departments and chief executives of PSUs stationed at Srinagar may in particular ensure their own participation and participation of employees subordinate to them,” reads the January 19 order issued by the general administration department (Gad) of J&K.

“Failure to attend the function will be construed as dereliction of duty and disobedience of government instructions,” it adds.

Last year, the authorities had to cancel the Independence Day function here due to non-availability of school students. Then the Kashmir valley was simmering with anger over the Amarnath land row.  

The Gad order comes close on the heels of the Hurriyat Conference call to observe January 26 as Black Day. Hurriyat has called upon people to observe hartal on the day to protest New Delhi’s failure to grant “right to self determination” to Kashmiris.

“The Omar Abdullah government’s claim that it is popular falls flat because it is having to literally force employees to attend the function,” senior Hurriyat leader Syed Saleem Geelani said. Condemning the order, he said, “No country forces people to ensure participation for publicity. It shows the government’s frustration.”

Employee leaders are in a fix as they do not want to jeopardise discussions with the government for implementation of the sixth pay commission recommendations.