J&K Police flag terror links among power project staff, BJP MLA calls for removals

A police verification drive has flagged serious security concerns at a strategically critical power project in Jammu and Kashmir, with 29 employees working at the under-construction Ratle Hydroelectric Project in Kishtwar found to have terror links or criminal backgrounds, prompting district police to formally warn the firm executing the project.

The disclosure has sparked a political storm and raised questions over security vetting at sensitive infrastructure installations in the J&K.

POLICE FLAG SERIOUS SECURITY RISKS

In a letter dated November 1, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Kishtwar, Naresh Singh, informed Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL) that five employees were related to active terrorists, overground workers (OGWs) or surrendered militants, while 24 others were facing criminal cases.

The Ratle Hydroelectric Project, an 850 MW facility being built over the Chenab river at Drabshalla in Kishtwar, has been categorised as a high-risk installation due to its strategic importance.

In his communication, the SSP warned that employing such individuals could compromise the security of the project.

“Hydroelectric Power Projects are of immense strategic and national significance and remain high-risk targets of the enemy country. By engaging these employees, the security of power projects gets compromised,” the SSP wrote.

“There is a need to reconsider the engagement of such employees/workers who are having militancy links or criminal background, as these individuals can do anything and pose a serious threat to the project,” the letter added.

The police also advised close surveillance and directed the company to immediately inform the nearest police establishment if any suspicious activity was noticed.

“If anything adverse or suspicious comes to notice, the same may be shared immediately so that necessary action as warranted under law can be taken,” the letter said.

KIN OF TERRORISTS AMONG EMPLOYEES

According to police records, the father of one employee is listed as an OGW, while his uncle, Mohammad Amin alias Jahangir Saroori, is an active Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist. Saroori is also a close relative of two other employees working at the project.

In other cases, the father of one staffer is a surrendered militant, while another employee’s father is listed as an OGW in CID records.

The remaining 24 employees named in the police list are facing criminal proceedings, though not related to terrorism.

The SSP said the findings were based on thorough verification conducted by SHOs of the respective police stations, whose reports flagged the employees for involvement in subversive or anti-national activities.

FIRM CONFIRMS LETTER, ASSURES SURVEILLANCE

MEIL confirmed receiving the police letter and said it had responded to the district administration.

“Yes, we have received the police’s letter. We have already replied to it and assured the authorities that a close watch will be maintained on all 29 employees,” Harpal Singh, Joint Chief Operating Officer of MEIL in Kishtwar, told India Today over the phone.

“We had also written to the police earlier seeking verification of employees working at the project,” he said.

In its written reply to the police, MEIL said, “We further assure you that from our end, there will be a close watch on all such individuals. In the event any workman is found involved in any anti-national or anti-project activity, the same shall be promptly reported to the District Police, Kishtwar for necessary action.”

However, Singh said the company was constrained by legal provisions.

“Employees whose relatives have terror links are not terrorists or OGWs themselves. The others have criminal cases pending but have not been convicted yet. Removing them purely on this basis is not legally possible,” he said.

BJP MLA SEEKS TERMINATION OF ‘TAINTED’ STAFF

The issue has triggered a sharp political response, with BJP MLA from Kishtwar Shagun Parihar demanding the termination of all employees flagged by the police.

“I have been raising this issue from the very beginning. Family members of terrorists were hired at the power project while poor and genuine local workers were retrenched. My stand has now been vindicated,” Parihar said.

She thanked the police for carrying out verification and exposing what she described as tainted appointments.

“We are grateful to the police for conducting a thorough verification and bringing the truth before the public,” she added.

The legislator also questioned the retrenchment of 200 workers by the company.

“Why were poor local workers retrenched? Why weren’t employees who are relatives of terrorists removed first? No rules were followed,” Parihar alleged.

COMPANY REJECTS POLITICAL PRESSURE ALLEGATIONS

MEIL has accused the MLA of disrupting work and pressuring the firm to hire individuals recommended by her, allegations she has denied.

Harpal Singh said the retrenchment was carried out strictly as per procedure.

“There were 320 surplus employees. We retrenched only 200 after informing the labour department, obtaining approvals, issuing 30-day notices and paying compensation. All rules were followed,” he said.

Calling the controversy unnecessary, Singh reiterated that MEIL would comply with police instructions while adhering to the law.

“As far as the list of 29 employees is concerned, we will keep a close watch on them, but termination is not legally sustainable at this stage,” he said.