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SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has terminated six government employees over the last two weeks for their involvement in financing terrorism through drug trafficking, orchestrated by Pakistan’s ISI and terror groups based in Pakistan.
A high-ranking official informed The New Indian that funds generated from the sale of heroin and brown sugar smuggled from Pakistan into India are ultimately used to finance terrorist activities. Investigations by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP), State Investigation Agency (SIA), Anti Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), and various district police units have confirmed this linkage in numerous cases. Large quantities of narcotics seized in recent years in Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of India have been traced back to Pakistan, where elements involved in terrorism in J&K are based. The proceeds from these narcotic sales are either directly handed over to terrorists or sent back to Pakistan via Dubai or other routes, eventually reaching terror operatives there.
The official further revealed that approximately 18 kilograms of heroin and brown sugar, worth around 90 crore rupees in the international market, have been seized from these implicated employees, along with arms, ammunition, and explosives from some.
Farooq Ahmad Sheikh (Head Constable):
Farooq Ahmad Sheikh, recruited as a constable in 2000, was part of a narco-terror network alongside Khalid Hussain Shah and Rehmat Shah. Utilizing his position in the police, Farooq smuggled narcotics from across the border to urban areas like Srinagar and Budgam. His involvement was exposed when an associate, Rehmat Shah, was arrested with 806 grams of brown sugar, leading to the recovery of 454 grams from Farooq’s residence, valued at approximately Rs 1.5 crores in the international market. Farooq’s knowledge of the local terrain and proximity to the Line of Control facilitated his collaboration with narcotic smugglers from Pakistan-occupied J&K, playing a significant role in funding terrorist activities.
Khalid Hussain Shah (Constable):
Khalid Hussain Shah, a constable since 2009, exploited his position within the police to facilitate drug trafficking. His police identity enabled him to avoid detection at checkpoints, allowing him to transport and sell drugs with minimal suspicion. Khalid’s criminal activities were uncovered following the arrest of Rehmat Shah, which led to the discovery of 557 grams of brown sugar hidden at Khalid’s residence, worth around Rs 1.5 crores. His involvement in the narco-terror syndicate was particularly concerning given his strategic posting in the Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) branch. His actions severely damaged the reputation of the police department and compromised national security.
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Rehmat Shah (Constable):
Rehmat Shah, a constable in Kupwara, was part of the narco-terror module involving Farooq Ahmad Sheikh and Khalid Shah. Over his service period, he established connections with drug peddlers and engaged in the illegal trade of brown sugar from across the border. His involvement extended to his family, with his brother, Mir Hyder Shah, also participating in the narcotics trade. Rehmat’s activities were exposed when he was caught with 806 grams of brown sugar, which led to the arrest of his associates and the recovery of additional drugs. His actions highlighted the deep-seated connection between narcotics and terrorism, with drugs being used to destabilize security in J&K.
Irshad Ahmad Chalkoo (Constable):
Irshad Ahmad Chalkoo, recruited as a constable in 2009, was involved in facilitating logistics for the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist organization. Initially posted in Anantnag and later in Baramulla, he used his position to support terrorist activities. Irshad’s involvement was revealed during a raid in Handwara, leading to the arrest of multiple LeT associates and the recovery of illegal arms and ammunition. He maintained close contact with terrorists in Pakistan-occupied J&K, receiving arms and ammunition for delivery to LeT operatives. Irshad’s commitment to terrorism and his strategic placement in the border area of Uri made him a significant threat to national security.
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Nazam Din (Teacher):
Nazam Din, a teacher from Poonch, was involved in narco-terror activities despite being a government employee. Initially employed under the Rehbar-e-Taleem (ReT) scheme, he used his position to promote illegal activities for monetary gains. Nazam collaborated with Qamar Din, an over-ground worker of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), receiving funds from narco-terror proceeds. These funds were invested in a spice business to sustain the terrorist-secessionist ecosystem. In 2022, Nazam was arrested with 5 kilograms of heroin, intended for delivery to drug peddlers in Punjab. His actions, driven by greed and secessionist ideology, posed a severe threat to societal stability, especially among youth.
Saif Din (Constable):
Saif Din, a constable since 1995, was a notorious drug peddler involved in narco-terror activities. His role in the network was exposed when Mohammad Sharief Shah was arrested with the hawala money meant for financing terrorist activities. Further investigation revealed Saif’s collaboration with Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) terrorists and his involvement in smuggling narcotics. Saif generated substantial funds from the narcotics trade, which were used to support secessionist and terror activities. His actions reflected a deep commitment to the narco-terror network, causing significant harm to national security and societal well-being.
