New Delhi [India]: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has dismissed two government employees with alleged links to terror organizations in the interest of state security, according to top sources.
Terminated Employees Identified
The dismissed employees are Ab Rehman Naika, a pharmacist from Devsar, Kulgam, and Zahir Abbas, a school teacher from Badhat Saroor, Kishtwar. Both were found to have ties with the Hizbul Mujahideen terror group.
Case of Ab Rehman Naika
- Employed as a medical assistant since 1992, Naika was linked to the Hizbul Mujahideen following investigations into the killing of political figure Ghulam Hassan Lone in August 2021.
- Lone, a nationalist whose three sons serve in the security forces, was targeted to instill fear among patriotic locals.
- Naika’s role included planning the attack, aiding terrorists, and conducting reconnaissance for further operations. He was arrested with grenades and AK-47 ammunition and admitted to receiving orders from handlers in Pakistan to target security forces.
Case of Zahir Abbas
- A teacher since 2012, Abbas was arrested in September 2020 for harboring three Hizbul Mujahideen militants.
- Investigations revealed Abbas provided arms, ammunition, logistical support, and intelligence about security force movements to terror operatives.
- Following his arrest, Abbas disclosed the locations of hidden arms caches and identified other overground workers aiding terrorist activities.
Official Action
Both employees were terminated under Article 311(2)(c) of the Indian Constitution, which allows dismissal without inquiry in matters concerning national security.
Security Implications
A senior security official highlighted that these actions underscore the administration’s zero-tolerance approach to individuals undermining the state’s security while benefiting from public resources.