Jammu and Kashmir L-G sacks five more government employees over suspected terror links
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has terminated five more state government employees for their suspected connections with terrorist organizations. This latest action brings the total number of such terminations to eighty-five since the year 2020.
According to official reports, the administration discovered during surveillance operations that these employees were actively working for terrorist groups. The move targets the roots of the terror ecosystem and its infrastructure within the government machinery.
Details of the terminated employees
The five dismissed employees include individuals from various government departments. Mohammad Ishfaq served as a teacher in the school education department. Tariq Ahmad Rah worked as a laboratory technician. Bashir Ahmad Mir held the position of assistant lineman.
Farooq Ahmad Bhat was a field worker in the Forest Department. Mohammad Yousuf worked as a driver in the Health Department. All five faced termination under Article 311 (2) (c) of the Indian Constitution.
Constitutional provision used for termination
Article 311 (2) (c) allows for the termination of a civil servant without a formal inquiry. This applies when the President or the Governor is satisfied that holding an inquiry is not expedient in the interest of the state's security. The provision provides a legal framework for swift action in matters concerning national security.
Specific allegations against the employees
The dossier against the terminated employees contains serious allegations. Mohammad Ishfaq was reportedly working for the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Security agencies placed his activities under surveillance. They found he was in regular contact with LeT commander Mohammad Amin, also known as Abu Khubaib.
Ishfaq received the task of executing a police officer in 2022. The J-K Police arrested him in April 2022 before he could carry out this plan. Sustained monitoring revealed that certain Over Ground Workers (OGWs) of LeT assisted him in terror activities.
Tariq Ahmad Rah, the lab technician, came under the influence of the terror outfit Hizb-ul-Mujahideen from a young age. His terror link emerged during a State Investigation Agency (SIA) probe. The probe investigated the escape of Hizbul terrorist Amin Baba to Pakistan in 2005.
Officials stated that Rah ensured the terrorist's escape across an international border. Due to his conspiracy, Amin Baba successfully crossed over to Pakistan. The terrorist currently operates from there, carrying out terrorist activities in India.
Bashir Ahmad Mir was working for LeT in the Gurez area of Bandipora. Farooq Ahmad Bhat was working for Hizb-ul-Mujahideen. Mohammad Yousuf maintained contact with terrorists from Pakistan.
On the directions of Bashir, Yousuf established links with Hizb cadres and operatives sitting in Pakistan. He received core tasks, including the procurement of arms and ammunition. He also transported funds in the areas of Ganderbal District.
Official statement on the terminations
An official explained the rationale behind these actions. The move aims to target the roots of the terror ecosystem and its infrastructure within government machinery. The administration remains vigilant against any threats to state security.
The terminations reflect a continued effort to cleanse government departments of elements with suspected terror links. This action underscores the administration's commitment to maintaining security and integrity within public institutions.
