J&K government terminates services of 3 employees for terror links

Jammu. J&K government on Sunday terminated the services of three employees for their involvement in anti-national activities. Government sacked these employees under Article 311 of the Constitution of India, over terror links.

Those who have been sacked are Mohammad Arif Sheikh of Reasi, a government middle school teacher, Manzoor Ahmad Itoo of Bandipora, Junior Engineer PWD and Syed Salim Andrabi of Handwara in district Kupwara, an orderly in Social Welfare Department.

“The activities of these employees had come to the adverse notice of law enforcement and intelligence agencies. They found them involved in activities prejudicial to the interests of the state, such as terror-related activities and drug trafficking”.

As per police, Manzoor Ahmad Itoo had played an important role in mobilising people in support of terrorists and also motivated youth to join their ranks, posing a serious threat to the security of the Indian state.

Syed Salim Andrabi was found involved in drug trafficking. In December 2020, NIA had filed charge sheet against Andrabi and six others for drug smuggling.

Mohammad Arif Sheikh was found involved in planting IEDs on the instructions of terrorists operating from Pakistan, this causing loss of human lives and damage to public properties.

Pertinently, Sheikh was arrested earlier this month for his involvement in carrying out multiple blasts, including one in a bus carrying Vaishno Devi pilgrims that killed four people and injured 24 in May 2022. His arrest came during an investigation into the twin blast case at Jammu’s Narwal on January 21 in which nine people were injured.

The administration has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards anti-national elements taking advantage of being in the government. Services of 47 government officials have been terminated under Article 311 of the Constitution of India in J&K in past couple of years by the administration.