Nadeem Nadu
Srinagar, Jan 13 (KNC): In a decisive move against the terror ecosystem, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has dismissed five government employees for their alleged links with terrorist organisations, official sources said on Tuesday.
Sources told news agency Kashmir News Corner (KNC) that the terminated employees include Mohammad Ishfaq, a teacher; Tariq Ahmad Shah, a laboratory technician; Bashir Ahmad Mir, an assistant lineman; Farooq Ahmad Bhat, a field worker in the Forest Department; and Mohammad Yousuf, a driver in the Health Department.
According to sources, investigations by security and intelligence agencies revealed that the employees were allegedly associated with banned terrorist outfits and were involved in activities that aided terrorism, despite holding government positions of trust.
Providing details, sources said Mohammad Ishfaq, formerly working in the School Education Department, was allegedly linked with Lashkar-e-Taiba and was found to be in contact with a Pakistan-based terrorist commander. He is accused of involvement in a conspiracy to assassinate a police officer in Doda in 2022 and of misusing his position to radicalise youth.
Tariq Ahmad Shah, a laboratory technician posted at a Sub-District Hospital in Anantnag, is accused of assisting a Hizbul Mujahideen commander in escaping to Pakistan and maintaining terror links even after securing bail, sources said.
Bashir Ahmad Mir, an assistant lineman, was allegedly working as an overground worker for Lashkar-e-Taiba in the Gurez area. Sources said two terrorists were killed in an encounter at his residence, from where a large cache of arms and ammunition was recovered.
Farooq Ahmad Bhat, a Forest Department employee, is accused of working for Hizbul Mujahideen and of helping facilitate the movement of a terrorist commander by using his government identity card to evade security checks.
Mohammad Yousuf, a driver in the Health Department posted in Srinagar, is alleged to have provided weapons, cash and logistical support to terrorists. Sources said arms, ammunition, grenades and a large amount of cash were recovered from him during investigations.
They said the action was taken under relevant legal provisions that empower the government to remove employees whose conduct is prejudicial to the security, sovereignty and integrity of the Union Territory.
Sources described the dismissals as part of the administration’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism, aimed at cleansing government institutions of any influence or support linked to terrorist activities.
Sources say this action was taken to free the government system from the influence of terrorism. This strict policy of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has not only weakened the terrorist network but also increased the credibility and strength of government institutions. (KNC)
