Reiterating his earlier stance on the order for state government employees on Republic Day, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik said there is “nothing wrong with it”.
Malik, on 15 January, had passed an order directing all state government employees to be present during the Republic Day celebrations. On failing to do so, the employee in question would be accused of a "dereliction of duty" and "disobedience of government instructions,” Firstpost reported.
Speaking to ANI, Malik said, “Jo order hain wo kuch bhi galat nahi hai and I stand by that. Aur yeh order koi naya nahi hai. Har saal yehi order sarkari karamchariyon ko jata raha hai, ismein kahin koi nationalism thopne ki baat nahi hai,” (I stand by my order, as I find nothing wrong with it. This is not a new order, it is passed every year for government employees, there is no need to put a nationalism tag on it).
The original order, as quoted by Firstpost, reads:
“All government officers and officials posted at Jammu and Srinagar are required to attend the celebrations, as part of their official duty. It is the duty of every government servant to attend the Republic Day function, which marks an important turning point in the history of the nation.”
Along with this order, the state government under Malik’s lead also directed all top officials – such as the state’s administrative secretaries and heads of departments – to ensure that their respective staff at Srinagar and Jammu attended all the functions, the report added.
Malik’s Order Creates Outrage in J&K
The order has not been well received by a majority of the state’s political leaders.
Waheed Rehman Para, youth president and spokesperson of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party, was among those who interpreted it as “patriotism” being “enforced”.
Rashid , an Independent legislator and leader of regional Awami Itehad Party (AIP) termed the order “unconstitutional”, Times Now reported.
Opposition to Mandatory Attendance at R-Day Events Not Accepted: Ram Madhav
BJP general secretary Ram Madhav, on Sunday, 20 January, said the mandatory order to attend the Republic Day functions should be accepted as it is a matter of pride, PTI reported.
"It is a matter of pride for every Indian. We all have to participate in the Republic day parade," Madhav said in response to a question on political parties reportedly criticising the order.
According to PTI, Madhav slammed political leaders from the Valley, saying, "When in power, they say something, and when out of power, they pander to separatist sentiments. Such leaders exist in Valley-based parties and this is an open secret, and the whole country knows about it”.
"If some officers are opposing, it is a serious matter and I am sure the state administration will take necessary action,” he added.
The main Republic Day event in the state would be held in Jammu, where Governor Satya Pal Malik will preside over the function. In Kashmir, the main function would be held at the Sher-i-Kashmir cricket stadium in Srinagar.
(With inputs from PTI)
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