J&K LG Dismisses 3 Govt Employees for Alleged Terror Links, Including Police Constable, Teacher, and Forest Official

J&K LG Dismisses 3 Govt Employees for Alleged Terror Links, Including Police Constable, Teacher, and Forest Official

J&K LG Orders Dismissal of Three Employees Over Alleged Terror Links

In a significant move, Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha has ordered the dismissal of three government employees, including a police constable, a teacher, and an orderly in the forest department, over alleged involvement in terror activities. The dismissed employees, identified as Firdous Ahmad Bhat, Mohammad Ashraf Bhat, and Nisar Ahmad Khan, were found to be linked with terror groups operating from Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Employees Terminated Under Article 311

The three employees were dismissed under Article 311 (2)(c) of the Indian Constitution, which allows for dismissal without an inquiry in cases involving acts of misconduct or other security-related violations. These actions were taken as part of the government’s ongoing effort to eradicate terror networks operating in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to sources, the dismissals came a day after LG Sinha chaired a security review meeting, where he emphasized the importance of targeting not only terrorists but also sympathizers and moles embedded within the local administration. The decision highlights the government’s commitment to dismantling the terror ecosystem in the region.

Detailed Allegations Against the Dismissed Employees

Firdous Ahmad Bhat: A Police Constable Turned Terror Operative

Firdous Ahmad Bhat, a police constable, had been serving in the J&K Police Department since 2011. Initially recruited as a Special Police Officer (SPO) in 2005, Bhat became involved with the terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). He was arrested in May 2024 for his involvement in a terror plot targeting non-local residents and tourists in Anantnag.

Bhat was accused of providing arms and ammunition to LeT terrorists involved in the attacks. Investigators discovered a significant stash of weapons, including pistols, explosives, and narcotics, at Bhat’s residence in Srinagar. He was also implicated in guiding terrorists to carry out attacks and providing vital intelligence on security movements, including his involvement in the killing of a J&K police sub-inspector in 2020.

Bhat’s ties with other terrorists, such as PoK-based LeT terrorist Sajid Jutt, further corroborated his active role in terrorist operations. According to police sources, Bhat was also involved in radicalizing local youth and sending threats to government officials.

Mohammad Ashraf Bhat: Teacher and LeT Overground Worker

Mohammad Ashraf Bhat, a teacher by profession, was appointed to the J&K education department in 2000 and later became a permanent employee. He was arrested in 2022 for his involvement with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and its activities in the region. Bhat had been using his position as a teacher to radicalize young minds and recruit local youth to join terrorist ranks.

Ashraf’s handler was Mohd Qasim, a high-ranking LeT terrorist operating from Pakistan. Bhat was accused of helping LeT raise funds for terror activities, coordinating the transportation of weapons and explosives, and delivering threat letters to individuals targeted by the terror group. His covert activities also included playing a key role in the radicalization of inmates while in custody.

Nisar Ahmad Khan: Forest Department Official Linked to Hizbul Mujahideen

Nisar Ahmad Khan, an orderly in the forest department, was accused of being a long-time mole for Hizbul Mujahideen, a prominent terror group. His terror links were first uncovered in 2000 when he was allegedly involved in a landmine blast that resulted in the assassination of a state minister. Although he was acquitted in 2006, evidence of his continued ties with Hizbul Mujahideen surfaced in later years, particularly after the killing of militant Burhan Wani in 2016.

Khan’s activities included inciting violent protests and providing logistical support to Hizbul Mujahideen operatives. Despite being detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA) for eight months in 2017, Khan remained active in his role as a terror sympathizer and facilitator.

A Step Towards Strengthening Security in Jammu and Kashmir

The dismissals of Bhat, Bhat, and Khan highlight the J&K administration’s increasing focus on rooting out terror sympathizers and elements within the system. LG Manoj Sinha has previously underscored the importance of targeting not just terrorists but the entire terror network, including individuals working within government institutions.

This action also follows increased security measures in the region, with police and security agencies stepping up their efforts to neutralize terrorists and dismantle the infrastructure that supports terrorism. The recent surge in anti-terror operations aims to reduce the influence of terror groups and restore peace in the Valley.

Conclusion

The dismissals of Firdous Ahmad Bhat, Mohammad Ashraf Bhat, and Nisar Ahmad Khan serve as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir and the government’s commitment to safeguarding national security. With these actions, the administration is sending a clear message that any individual found working against the state’s interests will be held accountable, no matter their position or professional background.

As Jammu and Kashmir continues its efforts to combat terrorism, the role of the local administration remains crucial in the larger security framework of the region.