2 weeks ago
Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah Warns Against Kashmiri Pandit Threats
Some people in a place called Kashmir got scary letters saying they might be hurt.
These people are called Kashmiri Pandits, and many of them work for the government.
The letter named some of them and even listed their contact details.
Because of the danger, many workers were told to stay home from work until August 25.
A leader named Omar Abdullah said the threats are very serious and should not be ignored.
He asked police to find out who sent the letter and to protect the workers.
Police are investigating and say they are taking safety steps.
People are worried because in the past, some Kashmiri Pandits were hurt in similar attacks.
The government also moved some named employees to safer places like Jammu.
Everyone hopes the workers can be kept safe.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said threats to Kashmiri Pandit employees should not be taken lightly and demanded action against those responsible.
Hundreds of Kashmiri Pandit employees were sent on administrative leave until August 25 after a threat letter allegedly linked to Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) circulated.
The threat letter allegedly named some employees and listed their contact details; those named were shifted to safer locations, including Jammu.
Around 6,000 Kashmiri Pandits hold government jobs under the Prime Minister's Special Employment Package, launched in 2010.
The threats follow 2022 targeted attacks that killed five Kashmiri Pandit employees, and police say they are investigating and taking security measures.
- Who
- Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Kashmiri Pandit government employees, and police investigating the threats
- What
- A threat letter allegedly linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba prompted administrative leave for hundreds of Kashmiri Pandit employees and a warning from the chief minister
- Where
- Kashmir Valley in Jammu and Kashmir, with some named employees shifted to Jammu
- When
- The threat letter circulated last week, and administrative leave runs until August 25
- Why
- History of targeted killings of minorities in the Valley and heightened security concerns following recent terror attacks
Kashmiri Pandit Employees
Government and Police
Posting after the 2022 attacks
Kashmiri Pandit Employees
After terrorists killed five Kashmiri Pandit employees in 2022, employees protested and sought their transfer and posting to Jammu.
Government and Police
The government did not agree to post the employees in Jammu, instead shifting them to safer locations in Srinagar and other major towns of the Valley.
Response to the current threats
Kashmiri Pandit Employees
Omar Abdullah said the threats should not be taken lightly, noting many employees planned to flee but were 'locked inside their camps,' and called for action against those behind the threats.
Government and Police
Police described the measures as precautionary, saying they are investigating the threats and taking necessary steps to ensure everyone's safety.
Key facts
- Chief Minister
- Omar Abdullah
- Affected group
- Kashmiri Pandit employees
- Administrative leave
- Until August 25
- Alleged source of threat letter
- Group linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)
- Employment package
- Prime Minister's Special Employment Package (launched 2010)
- Beneficiaries of package
- Around 6,000 Kashmiri Pandits
- 2022 targeted attacks
- Five Kashmiri Pandit employees killed
- Amarnath Yatra
- Suspended from August 9, weeks before scheduled conclusion
Quotes
Omar Abdullah
Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir
“"Targeted killings of minorities have taken place. Many employees were planning to flee, but they were locked inside their camps. This threat should not be taken lightly. There should be action against those who are behind such threats, and the security of Kashmiri Pandit employees should be ensured."”
NDTV
“"After the threats, police advised us not to attend work, and those who are still living in the Valley have been asked not to come out of their homes."”
NDTV
Senior Police Officer
Police officer in Jammu and Kashmir
“"It's a precautionary measure. We are investigating these threats and taking necessary steps to ensure everyone's safety."”
NDTV
Sources
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