Crackdown in Kashmir: 3 Govt Employees Dismissed for Alleged Terror Links
Srinagar 03 June 2025: The Jammu and Kashmir administration, under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, has once again intensified its crackdown on terrorism within the state’s institutions. In a recent decision that has sparked both political debate and public concern, three government employees were dismissed for allegedly having links to terrorist organizations.
This move, carried out under Article 311(2)(c) of the Indian Constitution, marks a continuation of the government’s “zero tolerance” policy toward terrorism and its ecosystem.
Who Were the Dismissed Employees?
01. Waseem Ahmad Khan – Junior Assistant, Health & Medical Education Dept
Khan was allegedly involved in activities that posed a threat to state security. Sources within the administration claim he maintained contact with known terror operatives and passed on sensitive information.
02. Ajaz Ahmed – Government School Teacher, Poonch
Ahmed’s name surfaced in intelligence reports linking him to Abid Ramzan Sheikh, a Pakistani-based Kashmiri terrorist. Investigators allege that he served as a local recruiter and sympathizer, subtly radicalizing youth in his area.
03. Malik Ishfaq Naseer – Constable, Jammu & Kashmir Police
Naseer is believed to have assisted in logistical support for terror modules. His brother, a Pakistan-trained Lashkar-e-Taiba militant, was killed in an encounter in 2018. Authorities allege that Naseer maintained ideological ties with the same network.
Legal Foundation: Article 311(2)(c) of the Indian Constitution
The dismissal was made possible by invoking Article 311(2)(c), which empowers the government to terminate public servants without a formal inquiry if their continuation in service is seen as a threat to national security.
Key Aspects:
- No departmental inquiry is needed.
- Approval from the President (for central services) or Governor (for state services) is mandatory.
- Used in rare and extreme cases where conventional processes may compromise national interest.
This provision has been used over 75 times in J&K since 2020 to remove employees with alleged terror or separatist links.
Political Reactions: Dismissals Spark Fierce Debate
Mehbooba Mufti (PDP President)
“The government is acting like judge, jury, and executioner. No one should be dismissed without proof or trial. This is collective punishment.”
Sajad Lone (People’s Conference Chief)
“These measures haven’t worked before and won’t work now. Alienation cannot be fought by administrative muscle.”
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq (Hurriyat Chairman)
“These dismissals are inhuman and undemocratic. They reinforce the trust deficit between the people and the state.”
Broader Security Implications
Strengthening Internal Vigilance
Removing individuals linked to militancy from government ranks is seen as a necessary step in safeguarding the integrity of institutions, especially in sensitive areas like education, policing, and health.
Concerns Over Due Process
Human rights activists and legal experts worry about the misuse of Article 311. With no trial or concrete proof required, critics argue that innocent people could be punished on flimsy or politically motivated grounds.
Chilling Effect on Civil Servants
There’s growing fear among government employees that even casual associations or past family links could lead to dismissal, resulting in increased paranoia and reluctance to work in sensitive roles.
Crackdown Pattern Since 2020
This is not an isolated case. Since 2020, over 75 government employees, including police officers, teachers, and clerks, have been dismissed under similar charges. The J&K administration says these decisions are backed by solid intelligence inputs from multiple security agencies.
Are These Measures Effective?
Supporters argue that such dismissals are critical to dismantling the ecosystem that supports terrorism in the Valley. However, experts caution against overreach.
Potential Benefits
- Safeguards public institutions from infiltration
- Sends a strong message of zero tolerance
- Boosts the morale of clean civil servants
Potential Risks
- May trigger legal battles and international scrutiny
- Risks targeting individuals without fair trial
- Could alienate the local population further
What Comes Next?
The J&K administration has hinted at further such actions based on ongoing intelligence reviews. Meanwhile, legal challenges are expected, with affected employees likely to approach courts.
The political landscape in Kashmir remains tense, with opposition leaders viewing these dismissals as part of a larger strategy to silence dissent. The Centre, however, maintains that national security takes precedence over procedural formalities in exceptional cases.
Bottom-Line: Balancing National Security and Civil Rights
The dismissal of these three government employees reflects the tightrope that Jammu and Kashmir must walk—between ensuring security and upholding democratic norms. While terrorism must be eradicated from all quarters, care must also be taken to prevent unjust actions that could breed resentment.
In a region as sensitive as Kashmir, transparency, accountability, and communication are key to making such decisions effective, lawful, and acceptable.
