To identify employees with terror links is commendable, ensuring security, accountability, and removal of anti-national elements: Rajni Sethi

JAMMU: A New Era of Accountability in Jammu & Kashmir.From the 1990s onwards, Jammu and Kashmir witnessed one of the darkest chapters in its history as terrorism engulfed the region. During those years, successive coalition governments failed to maintain accountability and transparency in governance. There was a clear pattern of soft-pedaling when it came to dealing with terrorists and their sympathizers. Many of those in power acted more as facilitators than as protectors of the law, showing undue sympathy towards terrorists and their families. These individuals were granted freedom and influence in every sector — be it employment, education, or public services.

Disturbingly, several political parties in the erstwhile state were known to have close ties with terrorist elements. Leaders of these parties often acted to protect and promote the interests of such individuals, even if it came at the cost of national integrity and public safety. This environment of political patronage and leniency allowed terror networks to thrive unchecked between 1990 and 2014.

However, a dramatic shift came with the formation of the Modi government in 2014. Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought with him a clear and firm policy — a zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism. The message was unambiguous: there would be no place in India, especially in the sensitive region of Jammu & Kashmir, for anti-social or anti-national elements. The era of impunity was over.

The real change on the ground came after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 and the appointment of the Lieutenant Governor (LG) to oversee the Union Territory. Under the LG administration, stringent steps were taken to identify and remove government employees found to be involved in terror links or anti-national activities. This bold and necessary move signaled the government's firm resolve to cleanse public institutions and rid them of dangerous elements working from within.

Several employees across various departments were dismissed after thorough investigations revealed their links to terrorist organizations or their support for such ideologies. These actions have instilled a new sense of trust among the common people — that their government is no longer indifferent, and that it is actively working to dismantle the deep-rooted terror ecosystem.

The BJP-led central government deserves appreciation for implementing a clear, fearless, and nationalist policy. Identifying and acting against terror-linked government employees was a much-needed step that previous governments lacked the courage to take. It not only restores public faith in governance but also sends a powerful message: national security is non-negotiable.

This decisive action by the Centre and LG government has given hope to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. It assures them that the dark era of political shelter to terrorists is over and that the dream of a peaceful, terror-free Kashmir is within reach. Going forward, strict and swift action must continue against all such elements. A complete cleansing of every department is essential to build a secure, transparent, and prosperous Jammu & Kashmir.