Three Jammu Kashmir employees terminated over alleged militant links

Srinagar, Feb 15: Continuing the crackdown on employees allegedly involved in anti-India activities, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has terminated the services of three government employees linked to militancy-related cases. 

As per news agency KNT, the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha ordered the dismissal of police constable Firdous Ahmad Bhat, teacher Mohammad Ashraf Bhat, and forest department orderly Nisar Ahmad Khan.

Quoting sources, it said the three employees in question are currently lodged in different jails for their alleged involvement in activities deemed prejudicial to the security of the state. 

The administration has invoked Article 311(2)(c) of the Constitution of India to carry out the terminations, which allows for the dismissal of government employees without an inquiry in cases involving national security concerns.

Firdous Ahmad Bhat, a police constable, was reportedly arrested for his alleged links with militant groups operating in the region. Security agencies claim that he provided logistical and other support to militant outfits. Muhammad Ashraf Bhat, who was employed as a teacher, was accused of radicalizing students and maintaining connections with banned organizations. Nisar Ahmad Khan, an orderly in the forest department, was allegedly involved in facilitating the movement of militants in forested areas of Kashmir.

The action follows a series of similar dismissals in recent years, as the J&K administration intensifies its efforts to root out employees suspected of having links with militancy. Since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, dozens of government employees have been removed from service on similar charges.