Srinagar: J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, on April 9, took strong action against terror-linked elements within government services by dismissing two employees associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen. The action was taken under Article 311(2)(c) of the Constitution, which allows termination of services without an inquiry in matters related to national security.
The dismissed employees have been identified as Farhat Ali Khanday, a Class IV employee in the Education Department in Ramban, and Mohammad Shafi Dar, who worked in the Rural Development Department in Bandipora. Authorities said both had established links with terrorist organisations and were involved in activities including funding networks, logistical support, and sharing sensitive information.
Farhat Ali Khanday’s alleged involvement dates back several years. In 2011, a detained militant reportedly named him as someone involved in distributing hawala funds to the families of slain militants. He was arrested that year and later released on bail, but continued to remain under suspicion. A chargesheet was filed against him in a special court in 2022, with investigators alleging he used his government position as cover while acting as a facilitator for Hizbul Mujahideen and drawing a regular salary.
Mohammad Shafi Dar was recruited on compassionate grounds after his father’s death. However, investigations later suggested he developed links with Lashkar-e-Taiba and supported militant activities by providing shelter, logistics, and intelligence on security forces. He was arrested in April 2025 near a checkpoint along with an associate, allegedly in possession of an AK-56 rifle and grenades, and subsequent probes indicated he was also involved in planning attacks on security personnel.
Officials said the dismissals are part of a wider crackdown aimed at removing terror-linked elements from within the administration. So far, more than 90 government employees have been removed from service in J&K under similar provisions.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha reiterated that the administration will continue strict action against anyone found aiding terrorism, stating that such networks will be dismantled without exception.
