J&K Lieutenant Governor dismisses 3 employees over alleged terror links
What's the story
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has dismissed three government employees for their alleged involvement in terror activities. The dismissed employees are police constable Firdous Ahmad Bhat, teacher Mohammad Ashraf Bhat, and forest department orderly Nisar Ahmad Khan. They were dismissed under Article 311 2(c) of the Indian Constitution after a security review chaired by Sinha to dismantle the terror ecosystem in the region.
Constable's arrest
Police constable among dismissed for alleged terror activities
Firdous Ahmad Bhat, a police constable since 2011, was arrested in May 2024 for allegedly plotting attacks on non-locals and tourists in Anantnag. Bhat was linked to the terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and was accused of leaking classified information about security forces. Huge caches of arms, ammunition, explosives, and narcotics were found at his residences. Intelligence sources revealed his links with LeT terrorist Sajid Jutt and Hizbul Mujahideen's Khursheed Dar.
Past accusations
Forest Department employee dismissed for alleged terror links
Nisar Ahmad Khan, a forest department orderly since 1996, was associated with terror group Hizbul Mujahideen. Khan was earlier accused of being involved in a landmine blast that killed a power minister but was acquitted in 2006. Despite being acquitted, he allegedly continued supporting Hizbul Mujahideen and instigated violent protests after the killings of Burhan Wani and Yawar Nisar Way.
Teacher's role
Teacher detained for alleged involvement in terror activities
Mohammad Ashraf Bhat, who became a teacher in 2000 and was regularized in 2013, was identified as an overground worker for the terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) while serving as a teacher. His alleged role involved radicalizing youth, raising finances for terror activities, and coordinating arms transport. Bhat is currently detained in the District Jail, Reasi.