The Jammu & Kashmir government on Saturday (8 June 2024) terminated the services of four government employees, including two police constables, one teacher, and one Jal Shakti department employee, for their alleged involvement in anti-national and terrorist-related activities. The decision was made by sub-clause (c) of the provision to clause (2) of Article 311 of the Bharatiya Constitution, which empowers the government to take such actions in the interest of national security without an inquiry.
The four have been identified as Abdul Rehman Dar of Larmooh, Tral, District Pulwama; Gh. Rasool Bhat of Lalgam, Tral, District Pulwama; Shabeer Ahmad Wani – Bungam, Damhal Hanjipora, District Kulgam; and Anayatullah Shah Pirzada – Watergam, Rafiabad, District Baramulla. A spokesperson said that these employees had come to the adverse notice of law enforcement and intelligence agencies for their activities prejudicial to the interests of the State, including involvement in terrorist-related activities.
Abdul Rehman Dar, a Selection Grade Constable in the Police Department and resident of Larmooh, Tral, District Pulwama, has been accused of transporting illegal arms and ammunition for delivery to militants/terrorists. Allegedly taking advantage of his position within the police force, Dar is also accused of supplying camouflage uniforms and other materials to terror groups. Ghulam Rasool Bhat, a constable in the J&K Police from Lalgam, Tral, District Pulwama, is facing similar allegations. As a Kote NCO in a district armoury, Bhat is accused of supplying weapons and ammunition to terrorists over a prolonged period. His alleged involvement includes connections to a network of Over Ground Workers (OGWs) linked to organizations based in Pakistan.
Shabeer Ahmad Wani, a teacher in the Education Department from Bungam, Damhal Hanjipora, District Kulgam, also an active member of Jamat-e-Islami was allegedly supporting terrorist activities as an overground worker (OGW) for banned Hizbul Mujahideen (HM). Anayatullah Shah Pirzada, an Assistant Lineman in the Jal Shakti Department from Watergam, Rafiabad, District Baramulla, is accused of being an OGW for Al-Badr Mujahideen, a proscribed terrorist group. Officials have said that Several FIRs have been registered against him, relating to the recovery of a satellite phone, hand grenades, and his communications with terrorist outfits based in Pakistan.
The employees were sacked after an investigation established that they were acting on behalf of Pakistan ISI and the terrorist outfits. Law enforcement and intelligence agencies had collected incriminating material evidence against them. The terminated employees held crucial positions within the government departments, highlighting the seriousness with which the administration views any association with activities that could compromise national security. The decision to invoke Article 311 reflects the administration’s adherence to constitutional provisions to uphold the state’s and its citizens’ integrity and safety. In July 2021, 11 government employees were dismissed for terror links and anti-Bharat activities.
