J&K Police Arrest Kashmiri Pandit Activist in Haryana Over Threat Letters to Employees

October 27, 2026

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested a Kashmiri Pandit activist in Haryana for allegedly issuing threat letters to members of the community working in the Valley, warning them to stay away.

The accused, Rakesh Handoo, was arrested by a team of Baramulla Police from Faridabad on October 17. Police suspect he was involved in the circulation of threat letters in August that reportedly carried the names and contact details of Kashmiri Pandit employees.

The letters have caused concern among employees recruited under the Prime Minister’s special employment package for Kashmiri Pandits. Hundreds of them have stayed away from the Valley for nearly three weeks amid security concerns.

Police Probe Leads to Arrest in Faridabad

Police have booked Handoo under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and cyber-related charges. Kashmir Zone Inspector General of Police Sujit Kumar said investigators had gathered substantial clues pointing to his alleged involvement in the case.

According to police, an FIR was registered on September 21, and Handoo was asked to appear before investigators in Baramulla on September 26. He allegedly failed to appear despite repeated summons, following which a police team was sent to Faridabad to arrest him.

The grounds of arrest served on Handoo’s wife on October 17 state that the case involves a non-bailable offence.

The allegations against Handoo are yet to be established, and the investigation is continuing to determine why the letters were issued and whether anyone else was involved.

Threats Kept Kashmiri Pandit Employees Away

The threat letters triggered anxiety among Kashmiri Pandit employees appointed under the special employment package. Hundreds were placed on administrative leave and asked to stay away from their workplaces for almost three weeks as authorities assessed the security situation.

The case comes after threats and targeted attacks on migrant workers during July and August. In response, authorities launched a major crackdown, arresting more than 3,000 people suspected of working as overground workers for terrorist groups.

Police have not officially established whether Handoo had links to any terrorist group or acted at its direction. Officials said the investigation was underway to establish the motive behind the alleged threats.

Handoo had also contested the 2008 Assembly election against National Conference president Farooq Abdullah from the Hazratbal constituency in Srinagar district.