SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has dismissed two government employees from service citing threats to state security. Sources within Jammu and Kashmir’s administration confirmed the termination of Abdul Rehman Naika and Zahir Abbas under Article 311 (2)(c) of the Indian Constitution after detailed investigations established their involvement in terrorist activities.
Abdul Rehman Naika ( Pharmacist, Health Department) :
A resident of Devsar, Kulgam, Naika joined as a Medical Assistant in 1992. His association with Hizbul Mujahideen came to light during the probe into the 2021 killing of nationalist leader Ghulam Hassan Lone, whose sons serve in the security forces. Naika plotted Lone’s assassination to create fear among patriots.
Investigations revealed Naika’s active role in fostering a pro-terror ecosystem across Kulgam, Shopian, and Anantnag. Arrested with grenades and AK-47 ammunition, Naika admitted receiving directives from Pakistani handlers to carry out attacks on security personnel and political figures.
He conducted reconnaissance missions and aided terrorists in Lone’s assassination by ensuring their safe escape. Naika’s links with Hizbul Mujahideen extended to facilitating assaults on law enforcement officers.
Officials termed him a hardened overground worker (OGW) who misused his government position to assist terror outfits while undermining the system that employed him.
Zahir Abbas (Teacher, Education Department) :
Zahir Abbas, hailing from Badhat Saroor, Kishtwar, was employed as a teacher in 2012 at Government High School, Bugrana. Arrested in 2020, Abbas was found harbouring three Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists. Currently jailed in Kot Bhalwal, his role as an OGW was uncovered during anti-terror probes.
Abbas provided arms, ammunition, and logistical aid to Hizbul Mujahideen, betraying his duty as an educator. Intelligence inputs revealed he also supplied critical security force movement details to Pakistani handlers.
Post-arrest, Abbas identified terror hideouts and linked OGWs, exposing the methods of terror groups. His position in a school raised concerns over potential student indoctrination, posing a grave threat to national security. Even in jail, Abbas reportedly continues radical activities.
A senior official of an intelligence agency told The New Indian “These cases are an evidence of deep infiltration by Pakistan-based terror groups into India’s system. By exploiting state resources, such individuals sustained terror activities and compromised national stability.”
Over the last three years, the J&K administration has dismissed more than 74 government employees in the interest of the security of the state.
In many cases, after the services of the employees are terminated, their travel documents are impounded or they are put on the Look Out Circular (LOC) to prevent them from taking a job outside the country. These employees lose their post-retirement benefits, including gratuity and pension.