Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, dismissed five government employees over suspected links with militant groups. These include Mohammad Ishfaq, a teacher; Tariq Ahmad Shah, a laboratory technician; Bashir Ahmad Mir, an assistant lineman; Farooq Ahmad Bhat, a Forest Department field worker; and Mohammad Yousuf, a Health Department driver. Since 2020, the administration has sacked 85 employees for terrorism ties. The terminations were made under Article 311 (2) (c) of the Constitution, allowing removal without formal inquiry in the interest of state security. Mohammad Ishfaq was linked to Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and had an active role in plotting to kill a police officer in 2022. He was arrested before the attack could take place. Tariq Ahmad Shah aided Hizb-ul-Mujahideen terrorists and played a part in allowing a militant’s escape to Pakistan in 2005. Bashir Ahmad Mir acted as an Over Ground Worker (OGW) for LeT, guiding and sheltering terrorists in the Gurez area. Farooq Ahmad Bhat worked with Hizb-ul-Mujahideen and served as a personal assistant to a former MLA with militant links. Mohammad Yousuf maintained contact with militants, facilitated arms procurement and fund transport, and was caught with weapons and cash during a vehicle interception in July 2024. Officials confirm these actions target terror infrastructure within government departments.