Jammu, Apr 10: : Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has ordered the dismissal of two employees of Union Territory government on Thursday for their involvement in terrorist activities. The dismissed employees—Senior Assistant Ishtiyaq Ahmad Malik and Assistant Wireless Operator Bashrat Ahmad Mir—were removed under Article 311(2)(c) of the Indian Constitution, which allows for dismissal without a formal inquiry due to their association with terrorist groups.
This decision reflects Lieutenant Governor Sinha’s continued stance against terrorism and its support network in Jammu and Kashmir. Since assuming office, he has enforced a strict zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism, focusing on dismantling the infrastructure that supports these activities, including ideological, financial, and logistical assistance.
Ishtiyaq Ahmad Malik: Senior Assistant in PWD linked to terrorism
Ishtiyaq Ahmad Malik, a Senior Assistant in the Public Works (R&B) Department and a resident of Shitroo Larnoo, District Anantnag, was employed since 2000. Despite his position as a government employee, Malik was allegedly involved with the proscribed terrorist organisations Jamaat-e-Islami and Hizbul Mujahideen.
Malik, as a key figure within JeI, played a vital role in strengthening the group’s influence and activities. He was instrumental in facilitating the creation of a network of sympathizers, many of whom later became Overground Workers (OGWs) and foot soldiers for Hizbul Mujahideen. This terror outfit has been responsible for a series of attacks on Indian Security Forces, politicians, government functionaries, civilians, military establishments, and critical infrastructure.
In his capacity as a covert supporter, Malik provided critical assistance to Hizbul Mujahideen by offering food, shelter, and logistical support to terrorists operating in the region. He played a significant role in aiding, facilitating, and guiding terrorist activities, particularly in South Kashmir. Additionally, Malik is accused of passing on vital intelligence to terrorists about the movements of security forces, which helped them evade capture and launch counterattacks, often resulting in casualties among security personnel.
Sources reveal that Malik played a significant role in establishing a network of sympathizers, who later became overground workers (OGWs) and foot soldiers for Hizbul Mujahideen. He was accused of providing shelter, food, and logistics to terrorists while also passing on sensitive information regarding security forces’ movements and assisting in the transportation of arms and ammunition.
Malik’s involvement with terrorism became evident during the investigation into Hizbul terrorist Mohammad Ishaq, who was arrested on May 5, 2022. Ishaq’s interrogation led to the identification of Malik as a key facilitator. Malik was subsequently arrested on May 17, 2022, and charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), along with Ishaq.
Further investigations revealed that Malik played a significant role in organising violent protests following the killing of Hizbul terrorist Burhan Wani in 2016. Malik was accused of leading a mob armed with stones, petrol bombs, and sticks to attack the Larnoo Police Post on July 9, 2016.
Bashrat Ahmad Mir: Assistant Wireless Operator in J&K Police
Bashrat Ahmad Mir, an Assistant Wireless Operator in the Jammu and Kashmir Police, was employed as a police constable operator from 2010 until 2017. Although he was dismissed in late 2017 following a court ruling, he was reinstated as a Wireless Assistant in 2018.
In December 2023, credible intelligence reports suggested that Mir had been in contact with a Pakistani intelligence operative and was sharing critical information with the adversary. Mir’s position at a hypersensitive police establishment made him vulnerable to espionage, and his dismissal was deemed essential to safeguarding the integrity and sovereignty of India.
To date, more than 70 government employees with links to terrorism have been dismissed by Lieutenant Governor Sinha. His approach is part of a broader security strategy endorsed by the Indian government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which prioritises neutralising terrorist elements and their sympathisers to ensure long-term peace in Jammu and Kashmir.
Recently, Lieutenant Governor Sinha also directed the Jammu and Kashmir Police to target terrorists and their collaborators, emphasising that terrorism is nearing its end in the Union Territory.
