Srinagar, Aug 22, KNT: The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Friday terminated the services of two government employees after investigations revealed their active involvement with Pakistan-based militant outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha invoked Article 311(2)(c) of the Constitution to dismiss the employees without departmental inquiry, citing their direct threat to national security. Officials said a detailed investigation had established their role in aiding militant networks through arms smuggling, narcotics trade and providing shelter to infiltrating militants.
Join our WhatsApp Group
The two employees dismissed are Khurshid Ahmad Rather and Siyad Ahmad Khan. Khurshid Ahmad Rather who had been appointed as a teacher under Rehber-e-Taleem in 2003 and confirmed in 2008. Khurshid was allegedly found working as an overground worker for Lashkar-e-Toiba. Investigators said he was in touch with handlers in Pakistan, procured arms and narcotics through the Karnah sector in Kupwara, and facilitated their distribution among militants. During his arrest in 2024, security agencies recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition, including rifles, pistols and magazines. He is presently lodged in the District Jail Kupwara.
📢 8,000+ readers already joined for instant Kashmir News Trust updates
Join our Telegram Channel
Siyad Ahmad Khan (Assistant Stockman, Sheep Husbandry Department)- appointed in 2004, was accused of receiving infiltrating militants, transporting their weapons and smuggling narcotics to sustain militant activities. He was arrested in January 2024 at Keran in Kupwara, where police and army recovered an AK-47 and other arms from his possession. He too is currently lodged in District Jail Kupwara.
Officials said both employees had misused their government positions while serving as conduits for militant activities, betraying public trust and compromising security.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha reiterated his government’s zero-tolerance policy towards militancy, stressing that strict legal measures will continue against those facilitating militancy in any form. [KNT]
