J&K govt begins fresh identification of ‘terror-linked’ employees

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has launched a renewed crackdown on government employees allegedly linked to terrorism, with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha directing the identification of elements from the “terror ecosystem” involved in civilian killings and still serving in government departments.

The development comes after the termination of nearly 80 government employees over the past four years under Article 311 (2) (c) of the Constitution. It allows dismissal of a government employee without inquiry if they are found involved in activities prejudicial to the security of the state.

Official sources said that dozens of employees across various departments are currently under the radar, and their antecedents are being verified. The process is being spearheaded by a Special Task Force (STF) constituted in April 2021 specifically for this purpose.

The five-member STF is headed by the Additional Director General of Police (CID) and has the mandate to identify, scrutinise, and compile records of government employees suspected of involvement in terror-related activities. After thorough examination, the task force forwards its recommendations to the Chief Secretary of J&K for appropriate action, which could include termination from service.

“The STF has access to intelligence and confidential records, and each case is vetted on the basis of solid inputs from multiple security and intelligence agencies,” a senior official said. “The individuals, who are suspected to have maintained links with terrorist outfits or acted as overground workers, while drawing salaries from the government are under scrutiny.”

He said that some of these employees are believed to have played roles—directly or indirectly—in the planning or facilitation of attacks on civilians, security personnel, or infrastructure, while “others have reportedly used their positions to pass on sensitive information to militant handlers.”

The move is seen as a part of the administration’s larger strategy to dismantle the support networks of terrorism and ensure that public institutions are not misused by individuals with extremist affiliations.

Lieutenant Governor Sinha has in recent public statements emphasized the need for a “clean and accountable administration” and warned that those involved in harming innocents or threatening the sovereignty of the country would not be spared.

While the L-G administration views the ongoing exercise as a crucial component of counter-terrorism efforts, the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as well as ruling National Conference have expressed concerns over the potential misuse of Article 311, citing the lack of transparency and limited legal recourse for the dismissed employees.