In terms of safeguarding national security, and making India a secure place, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has dismissed three government employees who were allegedly involved with terrorist organizations. The individuals were reportedly linked to Pakistan-backed outfits Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Hizbul Mujahideen, raising serious concerns about infiltration within public institutions.
The three who were fired with immediate effect are Malik Ishfaq Naseer, a police constable; Ajaz Ahmed, a School Education Department teacher; and Waseem Ahmad Khan, a junior assistant at Srinagar’s Government Medical College. Their firing was officially announced by the General Administration Department (GAD) of the state government of Jammu and Kashmir.
As per official sources, these people were reportedly employed in collaboration with terror networks, thus posing a serious threat to the security and integrity of the Union Territory. This audacious step is in continuation of the drive to eliminate extremist elements from within the administrative structure of the state.
Since becoming the Lieutenant Governor in August 2020, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has been stern against terrorism and those facilitating it within the government structure. In the past few years, over 70 employees who were suspected of being overground workers or having terror links have been dismissed from service on constitutional grounds.
These latest sacking are in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, in which 26 lives were lost, including 25 tourists and a local civilian, in the scenic Baisaran Valley. Pakistan-sponsored militants masterminded the attack, which was one of the deadliest attacks witnessed in the Union Territory in recent history.
As a countermeasure, Operation Sindoor on May 7 was initiated by Indian military targeting terrorist camps and infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The military strike done by India revealed their determination to combat terrorism from across the border.
After mounting tensions, Islamabad approached New Delhi on May 10 for a closure of military exchanges. This resulted in a temporary ceasefire deal, ending exchanges between the two nuclear powers.
The concerted efforts made by security agencies, intelligence departments, and government agencies in Jammu and Kashmir are a clear demonstration of a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism and its supporters. Weeding out the persons with extremist backgrounds from government positions is not only a deterrent but also a strong signal that public service posts cannot be used to subvert national interests.
While India keeps battling cross-border terrorism, such internal cleansings are crucial in the preservation of the health of its institutions. The crackdown also points India must be cautious and careful while screening during recruitment and retention efforts in sensitive ministries such as police, education, and health.
By taking these strong measures, the Jammu and Kashmir administration reaffirms its commitment to national security, law, and order. Combating both external and internal terrorism is still a priority for the leadership of the region.
