Srinagar, July 17: In a decisive move invoking Article 311, the government has sacked three employees, among them the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Kashmir University, on grounds of terror links. According to an official government order, the Lieutenant Governor thoroughly examined the facts, circumstances, and available information pertaining to the case and concluded that the activities of Faheem Aslam, the PRO at the University of Kashmir, warranted his dismissal from service.

Citing sub-clause (c) of the proviso to clause (2) of Article 311 of the Constitution of India, the Lieutenant Governor further emphasized that, in the interest of state security, it was deemed inappropriate to conduct a formal inquiry into Faheem Aslam's case. Consequently, Mr. Faheem Aslam, son of Mohammad Aslam and a resident of Hazratbal, Srinagar, has been dismissed from his position as the Public Relations Officer at the University of Kashmir with immediate effect.

Similar orders, worded in a comparable manner, have also been issued against Murawath Hussain Mir and Wasil Baqi Navees from the Revenue Department. Murawath Hussain Mir, son of Gh. Mohd Mir from Frestabal, Pampore, District Pulwama, and Wasil Baqi Navees, alongside Arshid Ahmad Thoker, a Constable in the J&K Police and son of Mohammad Rafiq Thoker from Shadab Karewa, Manloo, District Shopian, have faced the ramifications of alleged terror affiliations.

It is worth noting that a total of 52 employees, including engineers, teachers, and high-ranking officials, have now been relieved of their duties by the Lieutenant Governor's administration as part of an ongoing "zero tolerance against terrorism" policy, which has been in effect since 2021.

This latest government action underscores the steadfast commitment to national security and sends a resolute message that any association with terrorist activities will be met with severe consequences. By taking decisive measures, the government aims to ensure the safety, peace, and stability of the region.

 

The Face of Terror 

1. Faheem Aslam (PRO, University of Kashmir)

Faheem Aslam, currently serving as the Public Relations Officer (PRO) at the University of Kashmir, has been revealed as a diehard secessionist and a key propagandist for terrorists and terror outfits in the Kashmir Valley. Investigations suggest that Faheem Aslam was planted in the university in 2008 by a terror-separatist kingpin, operating as a close aide of terrorist Shabir Shah and receiving support from Pakistan's ISI.

Despite the constitutional requirement for fair and transparent appointments, Faheem Aslam's appointment as a contractual employee in the university was conducted without public advertisement, interview, or police verification. He has been actively promoting and glamorizing terrorism through his writings in a local daily and social media posts, openly expressing his loyalty to Pakistan.

Faheem Aslam's affiliation with Yasin Malik-led JKLF and his involvement in planning and organizing violent agitations in 2008, 2010, and 2016 have been highlighted. He has played a significant role in sustaining pro-Pakistan activities at the university, influencing young students towards secessionism. He would be often seen in the company of such elements inside the campus as well as outside the campus. He also virtually acted as Syed Ali Shah Geelani PRO while working in local daily and University.

He had deleted several posts, which campaigned for secession of J&K and its merger with Pakistan, after abrogation of Article 370. These posts have been retrieved during the course of investigation. These posts depict beyond doubt that he is a hardcore Pak Embedded High Value Asset (PEHVA) of Terror Outfits, responsible for promoting and glamorising terrorism.

In one of his posts on Facebook, Faheem Aslam writes on 23 May 2020 which is quoted as under:

“Nothing can ever change one reality; Kashmir will always observe Eid with Pakistan, ALWAYS! That’s for Pakistan, not Kashmiris. We will go with Pakistan. Let Pakistan decide who they want to go with: Choudhary sb or Mufti sb”.

In another social media post Faheem Aslam writes;

“May Allah [SWT] ease the sufferings of Muslims across the globe, especially in Palestine, Kashmir and Pakistan. May the occupation end and occupiers burn in hell. May Allah accept the sacrifices of martyrs, and may Gaza and Kashmir see the dawn of freedom soon. [Ameen]”.

Faheem Aslam minces no words in demonstrating his hatred for the country and mentioning brave security forces as “Indian Occupational Forces”. On 04 August 2015, he posted the following on social media:

 “Epitaph on the grave of my cousin from Islamabad (read Anantnag) who was martyred by Indian occupational forces on 27 October 1990. He was 20 years then. Please read the lines once and pray for his soul. May his soul rest in peace. Ameen!!!

Despite the fact that Faheem Aslam has deleted several of his social media posts which were in hundreds wherein he propagated and promoted terrorism day in and day out, it still is in the common knowledge in Kashmir valley that he has been the biggest narrative terrorist especially in between 2008-2018.

According to sources, while drawing salary from state exchequer, Faheem Aslam was simultaneously taking salary from a local daily newspaper since 2008. As per inputs, he was given salary in cash to hide his wrongdoings as a public servant. He had taken no permission from University to work with local daily newspaper. Available record suggests that he had been a permanent staffer of a local daily filing reports and functioning as a full time sub-editor. This fact is also in the common knowledge of everyone associated with press in Kashmir. 

Sources said as a reporter and sub-editor and simultaneously being employed in Kashmir University, the entire reportage of Faheem Aslam clearly establishes his secessionist credentials. According to sources, NIA is already investigating terror and ISI link of the local daily and its associated business interests.

Sources said, Faheem Aslam has been positioned by the Pakistan proxies like the terror Kingpin turn businessman since 2008 to nourish and sustain pro-Pakistan activities in Kashmir University.

“It is open knowledge that appointment and positioning of such brazen advocates of the cause of terrorism-secessionism in J&K was made possible only with the combined efforts of the terror syndicate which over a period of time had come to help each other to entrench themselves in Kashmir University. The fact is Faheem Aslam being implicitly allowed to simultaneously work in local daily by the University administration is itself strong evidence of the clout he enjoyed," Sources said.

Faheem Aslam has played a huge role as an activist, secessionist-narrative peddler and organiser in violent agitations of 2008, 2010 and 2016. He has been at the forefront of these agitations in planning and organising demonstrations especially in Kashmir University campus. He would often figure in newspaper photographs and other audio-visual media bytes, which stands deleted from internet as on date. He is still influencing young boys and girls towards secessionism who study or seek admission in Kashmir University.

"The likes of Faheem Aslam being placed by the adversary of the Indian state in the seat of highest learning is causing the spread of toxic influence of terror ideology in young minds with consequences that are highly detrimental for national security as well as the youngsters,” Sources said.

 

2. Arshid Ahmad Thoker (Police Constable)

Arshid Ahmad Thoker, a police constable recruited in 2006, has been exposed as an essential conduit and logistic supporter for the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror outfit in Budgam and Pulwama districts. Arshid took advantage of his position as a policeman, using his uniform to escape scrutiny at police and security force checkpoints.

Arshid's involvement in narco-terrorism became apparent when he was arrested in 2020 along with four associates, where recoveries of a pistol, hand grenade, Indian currency, and one kilogram of heroin were made. He used his position to facilitate/ferry JeM terrorists and financed terrorism through illegal narcotic trade.

 

3. Murawath Hussain Mir (Revenue Officer)

Murawath Hussain Mir, appointed as a Junior Assistant in the Revenue Department in 1985, became deeply involved in terrorism soon after Pakistan-sponsored terrorist activities began in J&K in 1990. He not only became an ideologically committed proponent of secessionism but also served as a point-man for proscribed terror outfits, including Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) and J&K Liberation Front (JKLF).

Murawath Hussain facilitated monthly extortion of funds from fellow government employees on behalf of terrorist outfits. Additionally, he evolved as a highly effective overground worker (OGW) for HM and JKLF, misusing his government position and close proximity to magistracy to arrange logistics for terrorists and transport weapons.

Despite his involvement in terrorist activities, including a planned bombing, and arrest in 1995, Murawath Hussain managed to avoid accountability and continued working within the government system. He founded the Falah-e-Behbood committee in Pampore, which played a significant role during public unrests in 2008, 2010, and 2016.

With the termination orders issued for Faheem Aslam, Arshid Ahmad Thoker, and Murawath Hussain Mir, the Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha, continues his policy of "zero tolerance against terrorism." 

Lt Governor Sinha's actions are seen as a crucial step in dismantling the terror ecosystem and ensuring national security.