Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha terminates two government employees for terror links

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday (22nd August 2025)
terminated two government employees for terror links, invoking Article 311 (2) (c) of

the Constitution. Painstaking investigation clearly established that they were acting on
behalf of terror outfits and law enforcement and intelligence agencies had collected

incriminating material evidence against them. Details of these two employees are as
follows: –

Khurshid Ahmad Rather ( Teacher) : Khurshid Ahmad Rather was appointed in
govt service in 2003 (temporary under Rehber e Talim) and got confirmed as a teacher
in 2008. Kurshid was working as OGW for Lashkar e Toiba (LeT) terror organisation.
Despite being paid by the government to fulfil his duty and impart education to
youngsters, Khurshid became an active conduit for terrorist activities of LeT.
Investigation has revealed that Khurshid was given assignment to procure arms,
ammunition and narcotics by LeT handlers sitting in Pakistan for further distribution
among active terrorists operating in the valley. He was in touch with Pakistan based
handlers Manzoor Ahmed Sheikh alias Shakoor and Javid Ahmed. The investigators
have revealed that Khurshid had received several consignments containing weapons
and narcotics through LoC at Karnah, Kupwara.
“The weapons were supplied to active terrorists, while the proceeds from narcotics sales
were used to fund terror operations. His role was exposed after Law Enforcement
Agencies received an input on 25th January 2024 that two Pakistani terrorists were
involved in smuggling of arms with the help of 4 associates in Kupwara. These four
names were Khurshid Ahmad Rather, Zahoor Ahmed, Ghulam Sarwar and Qazi Fazal.
An FIR was registered and Zahoor Ahmed was picked for interrogation. Zahoor
revealed the tentacles of his network and his other associates including Khurshid was
arrested,” the investigators revealed on the condition of anonymity.
On the basis of sustained interrogation of Khurshid and his associates, huge cache of
arms and ammunition including 5 AK Type (Short) MP 5 rifles, 1 AK-47 rifle, 2 pistol,
5 MP 5 magazine, 2 pistol magazine, 1 AK-47 magazine, 20 AK-47 rounds were
recovered. Khurshid was arrested. Currently he is lodged at District Jail, Kupwara.
“Education is what shapes the course of a country. It necessarily gains importance that
those who teach ought to be persons of highest morals and integrity. In J&K’s context,
several individuals (like Khurshid) played the role of Pakistani proxies in schools,
colleges and universities under the garb of ‘teaching’ or ‘non-teaching’ faculty for
several decades. If the education system is infected with people like Khurshid, the
entire country will be put to real peril,” the investigators observed.
Siyad Ahmad Khan (Assistant Stockman- Sheep & Husbandry Department):
Siyad Khan was appointed as Assistant Stockman in Sheep Husbandry Department in
He willingly started working for Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba
(LeT) and was tasked to receive infiltrating group of terrorists, sheltering them and
transporting their arms and ammunition.
According to investigators, Siyad Khan also started smuggling narcotics to sustain
terror activities.
“ He was intercepted and arrested on 12th January 2024 at Peer Baba Shrine, Keran,
Kupwara by a Naka Party of J&K Police and Army. On search, 1 AK-47, was recovered
from his possession which he was transporting for a terrorist. 1 Pistol, 1 Pistol magazine
and 5 Pistol rounds were recovered from his associate Rafaqat Ahmed Khan,” the
investigators said.
It was further revealed that Siyad Khan was in touch with Pakistan-based handler
Basharat Ahmed Khan who used to smuggle arms, ammunition and narcotics through
Siyad Khan and his associates at Keran near LoC fence for its further transport to active
LeT terrorists to execute terror attacks in valley.
“People like Siyad, feed on government exchequer as parasites, and by their terrorist
activities keep on hurting India. Such elements must be wiped out from the system.
Siyad’s disloyalty towards the nation by becoming an accomplice and a ring leader of
LeT terror outfit has wreaked colossal damage to the society and the country,” the
Investigators said. Siyad was arrested in 2024 and he is currently lodged in District Jail,
Kupwara.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has taken firm stance against terrorism and its
ecosystem. His zero-tolerance policy against terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir is
characterized by a multi-pronged approach that combines aggressive anti-terror
operations, dismantling of support networks, strict legal action against facilitators, and
community engagement to foster peace. By aligning with national security strategies
and emphasizing both security and development, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s
policy aims to eliminate terrorism and establish lasting stability in the region.