NEW DELHI: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has dismissed two government employees over alleged links to terrorist organizations, invoking Article 311(2)(c) of the Constitution, which allows termination without a formal inquiry in matters concerning national security, according to sources cited by news agency ANI.
The individuals identified are Ishtiyaq Ahmad Malik, a senior assistant in the Public Works Department, and Basharat Ahmad Mir, an assistant wireless operator with J&K Police.
Malik, appointed in 2000, is alleged to have ties with the banned groups Jamaat-e-Islami and Hizbul Mujahideen. His connections reportedly came to light during the investigation into Hizbul operative Mohammad Ishaq, arrested in 2022. Malik was accused of providing shelter, food, and logistical support to militants and was subsequently arrested and charge-sheeted under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Investigators also claim that Malik facilitated the creation of a support network for Hizbul Mujahideen and incited violent unrest following the death of militant commander Burhan Wani in 2016. He allegedly led a violent mob that attacked a police post in South Kashmir.
Basharat Ahmad Mir, who joined the police force in 2010, was reportedly posted at several sensitive locations until 2017. In late 2023, intelligence agencies received credible information that he was in contact with a Pakistani intelligence operative and had been passing along sensitive information. Officials say his position in a high-security area made his continued service untenable.
Authorities stated that his removal was necessary to protect national security interests.
To date, over 70 government employees in Jammu and Kashmir have been dismissed for alleged involvement in or support of terrorism. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has previously reiterated the administration’s firm stance on eradicating terrorism and dismantling support networks in the Union Territory.
