In a major action against terror networks operating from within government systems, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has ordered the termination of five government employees for their alleged active links with banned terrorist organisations.
Officials said the dismissed employees include Mohd Ishfaq, a government school teacher; Tariq Ahmad Rah, a laboratory technician; Bashir Ahmad Mir, an assistant lineman; Farooq Ahmad Bhat, a Class-IV employee in the Forest Department; and Mohd Yousf Kumar, a driver in the Health and Medical Education Department.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
According to officials, Mohd Yousf Kumar, who is currently lodged in Central Jail Srinagar, was identified as an Over Ground Worker (OGW) of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen. He allegedly remained in regular contact with a Pakistan-based handler and was involved in procuring arms, ammunition, and funds on cross-border instructions. He was arrested by Ganderbal Police on July 20, 2024, with a pistol, ammunition, a grenade, and ₹5 lakh cash recovered under FIR No. 183/2024. Investigators said he misused his position as an ambulance driver to support terror activities.
Farooq Ahmad Bhat, a Forest Department employee, was accused of maintaining long-term links with Hizb-ul-Mujahideen and playing a key role in the 2005 escape of HM commander Mohammad Amin Baba. Officials said he arranged logistics, provided an official vehicle, and escorted the commander for illegal cross-border movement. Intelligence inputs suggested he continued to provide shelter and support to terrorists over the years.
Tariq Ahmad Rah, a Lab Technician at SDH Bijbehara, allegedly used his official position to assist Hizb-ul-Mujahideen through his uncle, Mohammad Amin Baba. Investigations linked him to providing shelter and logistical help during the 2005 escape and to continued radical activities.
Mohd Ishfaq, a government teacher from Bhaderwah, was found to be in contact with Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Mohd Amin alias Khubaib. Officials said he was part of a conspiracy to assassinate a police officer in Doda and was involved in arms movement and terror coordination. Arrested in April 2022, he was charge-sheeted under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and is currently lodged in Kot Bhalwal Jail, Jammu.
Bashir Ahmad Mir, an Assistant Lineman from Gurez, was identified as a long-term OGW of Lashkar-e-Taiba. Officials said he provided shelter, guidance, and logistical support to terrorists in the Bandipora–Gurez area. His role came to light after two terrorists were killed in a 2021 encounter inside his house. Investigations suggested he continued covert support even after securing bail.
Officials said the action reflects the administration’s firm stand against insider threats and its zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism, especially within government institutions.
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