Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has dismissed two government employees for their alleged involvement in militancy-related activities.
The employees — Khurshid Ahmed Rather, a teacher posted in Karnah, and Siyad Ahmad Khan, a stock assistant in the Sheep Husbandry Department posted in Keran — were allegedly associated with the banned terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
According to officials, law enforcement and intelligence agencies collected “incriminating evidence” linking both employees to LeT before action was taken under Article 311(2)(c) of the Constitution of India, which allows termination without inquiry in the interest of state security.
Crackdown on Employees Linked to Terror Outfits
Authorities have intensified efforts to remove government employees suspected of terror links. Since 2021, dozens have been dismissed under similar legal provisions.
Teacher Accused of Facilitating Arms Smuggling
Khurshid Ahmed Rather began his career as a Rehbar-e-Taleem (ReT) teacher in 2003, was confirmed in 2008, and was posted at Government Primary School, Maindpora Nawa Gabra, Kupwara. He has been under suspension since January 26, 2024, following his arrest, and is currently lodged in District Jail, Kupwara.
Police records identify him as an Overground Worker (OGW) for LeT. Officials allege he played an active role in promoting terrorist activities, smuggling arms, ammunition, and explosives from Pakistan into India, in coordination with other local associates.
A case FIR No. 07/2024 under relevant sections of the IPC and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act has been registered against him at Police Station Karnah, Kupwara.
Stock Assistant Caught With AK-47 Rifle
The second dismissed employee, Siyad Ahmad Khan, allegedly kept his activities covert to evade detection. On January 12, 2024, while allegedly delivering arms to LeT terrorists, he was intercepted by a joint police and army naka party at Peer Baba Shrine, Keran.
An AK-47 rifle was recovered from him, while his associate was found with a pistol, magazine, and ammunition. This led to the registration of FIR No. 02/2024 at Police Station Keran, Kupwara under the Arms Act and UAPA provisions.