J&K LG Orders Dismissal of Two Employees for Alleged Terror Links, Signals Zero-Tolerance Approach

In a significant move, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha on Friday ordered the dismissal of two government employees, Naika, a pharmacist, and Zahir Abbas, a teacher, over their alleged involvement in terrorism. The two were accused of being linked to terrorist activities, including the murder of a local politician and leaking critical security information to Pakistan-based handlers.

The dismissals mark a continuation of LG Sinha’s crackdown on suspected terror sympathizers within the administration, with over 70 dismissals since 2020. This is, however, the first such action since the installation of an elected government in J&K last month.

Sources indicated that these dismissals serve as a strong message to the Omar Abdullah-led government, reinforcing the Centre’s and LG’s commitment to zero-tolerance toward terrorism and its ecosystem. “The focus will remain on eradicating terror elements within the administration who are abetting terrorism while drawing salaries at taxpayers’ expense,” a government official told TOI.

Naika and Abbas, currently held in Jammu’s Kot Bhalwal jail on terror charges, were found to continue their radicalization activities from behind bars. Naika’s ties to Hizbul Mujahideen were uncovered during investigations into the murder of local politician Ghulam Hassan Lone, while Abbas was arrested for sheltering three Hizbul militants in Kishtwar.