J&K L-G sacks two govt employees over terror links

April 8, 2026

Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday terminated the services of two government employees over alleged links with terror outfits.

The dismissed employees have been identified as Farhat Ali Khanday, a Class IV employee in the Education Department linked to Hizbul Mujahideen, and Mohammad Shafi Dar, a staffer in the Rural Development Department associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba.

Officials said the action was based on intelligence inputs indicating their involvement in activities prejudicial to the security of the state.

Article 311 used for dismissal
The administration has been invoking Article 311(2)(c) of the Constitution to remove employees without a formal inquiry if their continuation is deemed a threat to national security.

This provision empowers the President, Governor, or Lieutenant Governor to dismiss employees without investigation in cases involving state security concerns.

Ongoing crackdown on terror links
Under Manoj Sinha, the J&K administration has adopted a strict policy to remove “terror associates” embedded within government departments. Those terminated in the past include teachers, lab technicians, forest staff, and other employees linked to banned outfits.

These actions are generally based on evidence and reports provided by intelligence and security agencies.

Previous similar action
In January this year, five government employees were dismissed over alleged terror links. They included Mohd Ishfaq, Tariq Ahmad Rah, Bashir Ahmad Mir, Farooq Ahmad Bhat, and Mohd Yousuf.

Officials reiterated that the drive is part of ongoing efforts to safeguard government institutions from internal threats.