Srinagar, Aug 22: The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Friday dismissed two government employees for alleged terror links, citing state security concerns. The dismissed officials are Khurshid Ahmad Rather, a teacher in the School Education Department, and Siyad Ahmad Khan, an Assistant Stockman in the Sheep Husbandry Department.
The orders, issued under Article 311(2)(c) of the Constitution of India, allow termination without inquiry when such proceedings are deemed against the interest of state security.
According to official sources, Khurshid Ahmad Rather, a resident of Karnah, Kupwara, joined government service in 2003 under Rehber-e-Taleem and became a regular teacher in 2008. Investigations revealed that he was working as an Over Ground Worker (OGW) for Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT). He allegedly acted as a conduit for arms, ammunition, and narcotics, receiving consignments through the Line of Control and distributing them to terrorists. His links with Pakistan-based handlers, including Manzoor Sheikh alias Shakoor and Javid Ahmed, came to light after police inputs in January 2024. On interrogation of his associates, a large cache of weapons was recovered, and Khurshid was arrested. He is currently lodged in District Jail Kupwara.
The second dismissed employee, Siyad Ahmad Khan, a resident of Keran and government employee since 2004, was accused of facilitating infiltration of terrorists, sheltering them, and smuggling arms and narcotics. In January 2024, he was arrested at Peer Baba Shrine, Keran, with an AK-47, while his associate was caught with a pistol. Investigations revealed his links with a Pakistan-based handler, Basharat Ahmed Khan, who tasked him with transporting weapons and narcotics for LeT. Siyad too is currently in District Jail Kupwara.
Investigators stressed that individuals like Khurshid and Siyad, while drawing salaries from the government, were aiding Pakistan-backed terrorism. “Such people act as parasites on the state exchequer and undermine society,” officials observed.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has repeatedly asserted a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, which includes strict legal action against facilitators, dismantling support networks, and aligning security measures with development initiatives to ensure lasting stability in Jammu and Kashmir.
