In a significant crackdown on terrorism-related activities, six government officials, including five police personnel and a teacher, have been dismissed from their positions in Jammu and Kashmir for their involvement in a narco-terror network. This network, which has been linked to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), was allegedly engaged in financing terrorism through the sale of narcotics.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha invoked Article 311(2)(c) of the Indian Constitution to terminate the officials’ employment. This provision allows for the dismissal of government employees without a formal inquiry if it is deemed essential for state security. Since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, this constitutional measure has been used to dismiss a total of 70 government employees under similar circumstances.
The dismissed officials include head constable Farooq Ahmad Sheikh, constables Khalid Hussain Shah, Rehmat Shah, Irshad Ahmad Chalkoo, and Saif Din, along with government teacher Nazam Din. The investigation revealed that these individuals were part of a sophisticated network orchestrated by ISI and various terror groups based in Pakistan. This network facilitated the trafficking of narcotics, with the proceeds being used to fund terrorist activities in the region.
The officials involved were reportedly engaged in terror financing by selling drugs such as heroin and brown sugar, substances that are not produced in India but are closely associated with terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. The narcotics were reportedly smuggled from Pakistan through several networks.
This dismissal comes as part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement and intelligence agencies to disrupt and dismantle networks involved in terrorism and narcotics trafficking. Last month, four other government employees, including two police constables, were also sacked for similar reasons.
The recent actions highlight the administration’s commitment to maintaining security and integrity within its ranks, addressing the critical issue of narco-terrorism that poses a significant threat to regional stability.
Sources By Agencies
