Srinagar, April 11, 2025 – The Jammu and Kashmir administration has dismissed two government employees, including a wireless operator in the J&K Police, for their alleged involvement in terrorist activities, marking another step in its crackdown on anti-national elements within the system. The terminations, authorized by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha under Article 311 of the Constitution, reflect the government’s firm stance against individuals aiding terrorism.
The sacked employees were named as Basharat Ahmad Mir, an Assistant Wireless Operator in the Jammu and Kashmir Police, and Ishtiyaq Ahmad Malik, a Senior Assistant in the Public Works Department. Both were found to have actively supported terrorist operations, compromising the security of the Union Territory.
Basharat Ahmad Mir, stationed in Srinagar, allegedly leveraged his role in the police department to relay sensitive information about anti-terror operations to handlers across the border. Sources indicate that Mir maintained regular communication with Pakistani intelligence operatives, sharing details about the deployment and movements of security forces. His actions directly aided Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists, particularly in South Kashmir, enabling them to plan attacks and evade capture. Mir is also accused of providing logistical support, including shelter and supplies, to terrorists, contributing to violence that claimed lives of security personnel.
Ishtiyaq Ahmad Malik, based in Anantnag, was implicated in mobilising support for Hizbul Mujahideen as an overground worker . Malik played a significant role in instigating public unrest, notably during the 2016 protests following the killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani. He was involved in orchestrating an attack on the Larnoo Police post, rallying mobs to disrupt law and order. His activities extended to facilitating terrorist operations by coordinating with local sympathizers, posing a sustained threat to regional stability.
The dismissals are part of a broader initiative to purge government ranks of terror sympathizers. A special committee, established in 2020, has been tasked with identifying employees engaged in anti-national activities. To date, 65 individuals have been removed from service based on verified intelligence reports. The committee’s work has been instrumental in uncovering covert networks that exploit public positions to undermine security.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha emphasised the government’s resolve, stating, “No one who aids terrorism will be spared, regardless of their position. Our priority is to safeguard Jammu and Kashmir and ensure a secure environment for all.” The terminations come at a time when security forces are engaged in heightened operations across districts like Kathua, Kupwara, and Bandipora to neutralize terrorist threats.
The revelation of a police insider like Mir aiding terrorists has sparked concerns about vulnerabilities within critical departments. Authorities are now tightening oversight and enhancing background checks to prevent similar breaches. The administration’s actions are intended to deter others who might consider colluding with terrorist outfits, reinforcing the message that such betrayal will face severe consequences.
Local residents have been urged to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities, as the government seeks to dismantle the ecosystem sustaining terrorism. The dismissals highlight the multifaceted approach—combining administrative action with on-ground operations—that J&K is adopting to restore peace.
As investigations continue, the terminations serve as a reminder of the challenges in combating internal threats and the administration’s commitment to rooting out those who endanger the region’s hard-won stability.