In a clear and proactive move against terrorism, the administration of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha demonstrated its commitment to a zero-tolerance policy by terminating the services of two government employees linked to terrorist activity. The sacked employees were identified as Zahir Abbas and Abdul Rehman Naika. Both were found guilty of aiding terrorist organisations and facilitating attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.

One of the terminated employees, Abbas, was detained in September 2020 for harbouring three active terrorists of Hizbul Mujahideen, while Naika was involved in planning the killing of Ghulam Hassan Lone, a staunch nationalist, in August 2021.

Zahir Abbas, a teacher from Kishtwar, was arrested in September 2020 for harbouring three active Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists. Abbas, a graduate of Aligarh Muslim University, was appointed as a teacher in 2012 and posted at Government High School, Bugrana. During the investigation, it was found that he provided logistical support, including arms and ammunition, and shared vital information about security forces with Pakistan-based handlers. Abbas kept three active Hizbul Mujahideen militants in Kishtwar. His acts were a serious threat to national security, particularly given his position in an educational institution where he might influence students and promote terrorism. Despite being imprisoned in the Central Jail in Kot Bhalwal, intelligence indicates that Abbas continues to engage in extreme activities.

On the other hand, Abdul Rehman Naika, a pharmacist from Devsar, Kulgam, was involved in planning the 2021 killing of Ghulam Hassan Lone, a prominent nationalist leader. Naika, who was appointed as a medical assistant in 1992, was found to have links with Hizbul Mujahideen. Investigations revealed that Naika played an important role in fostering terrorism in Kulgam, Shopian, and Anantnag. He was also found in possession of explosives and ammunition and confessed to receiving directions from Pakistan-based handlers. Following the investigation, Naika confessed to spying and facilitating attacks against police officers.

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These terminations are part of LG Manoj Sinha's efforts to wipe out terrorism and its supporters within the government. This also demonstrates the deep infiltration of Pakistan's ISI and Pakistan-based terror groups inside the system.

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