The Jammu and Kashmir administration under Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has dismissed two employees—Abdul Rehman Naika, a school teacher from Kulgam district, and Zahir Abbas, a pharmacist from Kishtwar district—under Article 311 of the Constitution of India. This is the first such dismissal order since the Omar Abdullah-led government, bringing the total number of dismissals to 76 since 5th August 2019.
Article 311 allows the government to remove employees without a formal inquiry in cases deemed critical to the state's security. According to top sources within Jammu and Kashmir’s law enforcement agencies, the Lieutenant Governor invoked Article 311(2)(c) to terminate Naika and Abbas after investigations established their links to terrorism.
Jammu And Kashmir News: Abdul Rehman Naika’s Dismissal
Abdul Rehman Naika, a resident of Devsar, Kulgam, was appointed as a Medical Assistant in 1992. His association with Hizbul Mujahideen came to light following the investigation into the killing of political figure Ghulam Hassan Lone, a staunch nationalist, in August 2021. Investigators revealed that Naika had played a pivotal role in the attack, which was aimed at instilling fear among patriotic citizens.
Naika, who had been involved in strengthening the environment for secessionism and terrorism in Kulgam and neighbouring areas, was arrested with hand grenades and AK-47 ammunition. During interrogation, he confessed to receiving instructions from his Pakistani handlers to target security forces and political figures, particularly through grenade attacks. He admitted to conducting reconnaissance on Lone and facilitating the escape of the terrorists.
"Naika has been a hardcore overground worker (OGW) and terror associate for Hizbul Mujahideen. He used his government position to sabotage the system and target innocent civilians. It is unfortunate that taxpayer money funded his salary while he worked against the country," a law enforcement source stated.
Jammu And Kashmir News: Zahir Abbas’s Dismissal
Zahir Abbas, a teacher from Badhat Saroor, Kishtwar, had been serving as a teacher since 2012. Abbas was arrested in September 2020 for harbouring three active Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists in Kishtwar. He is currently incarcerated in Central Jail, Kot Bhalwal.
During the investigation, Abbas’s involvement as an OGW was uncovered. He provided critical support to terrorists, including logistical assistance, arms, and ammunition. Furthermore, Abbas also acted as an informant for terrorists, giving them crucial information about the movements of security forces.
"Zahir betrayed the nation that provided him with a livelihood. As a teacher, his role was to serve the country, but he chose to align with Pakistani terrorists. Even after his arrest, intelligence reports suggest he continues to engage in radical activities," sources said.
These two cases underline the deep infiltration of Pakistan-based terror outfits into government systems, with a clear strategy to sustain terror activities and secure finances from the Indian exchequer while subverting the system from within, sources highlighted.