J&K govt asks Kashmiri Pandit staff to work from home after threat letter surfaces online

Government authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have informally advised some Kashmiri Pandit employees working in the Valley to stay home and remain vigilant after an online threat document containing their personal information surfaced on social media.

Following the emergence of the document, security forces have increased surveillance and patrolling around areas where Kashmiri Pandit employees and families live, particularly in parts of Kashmir, reported CNN-News18.

The advisory is understood to be a precautionary measure rather than a formal government-wide order.

Threat document names government employees

The threat document, attributed by security agencies to the United Liberation Council (ULC), a group believed to be a front for Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), reportedly names several Kashmiri Pandit employees working in government departments.

According to officials, the list includes at least six employees, mainly from the Revenue Department. It reportedly contains names and telephone numbers along with other personal information, including details about their families and residences.

The document also allegedly warned Kashmiri migrant employees to “change their ways” and accused them of being involved in government actions relating to land and property.

Police are investigating the source and authenticity of the material as well as the digital trail through which it was circulated.

Kashmir Police Inspector General VK Birdi said agencies were examining the threat and working to establish its origin.

Employees told to stay home as precaution

Although there is no formal blanket order covering all Kashmiri Pandit employees, some departments have reportedly issued verbal instructions asking vulnerable employees to work from home or remain on leave.

Employees in departments including education and revenue have reportedly been asked to stay away from their workplaces until around August 25 as a precaution.

“We have been told to stay home after these posters came up, but that is a temporary measure,” said Sunny Raina, president of the All Prime Minister’s Package Employees association.

“Safety remains our chief concern.”

Around 6,000 Kashmiri Pandits are employed in government positions across the Valley under the Prime Minister’s Special Rehabilitation and Employment Package, which was introduced to support the rehabilitation and employment of displaced Kashmiri families.

Security stepped up around Pandit communities

The emergence of the threat list has prompted security agencies to increase monitoring around Kashmiri Pandit settlements and other areas where employees covered under the rehabilitation package reside.

Patrolling has also been intensified as authorities assess whether the online threat represents a specific and credible security risk.

The publication of personal information has added to concerns among employees who have previously raised security issues surrounding their return to work in Kashmir.

Community groups seek probe into data leak

Kashmiri Pandit organisations have expressed concern over the publication of the employees’ personal details and demanded an investigation into how the information may have been obtained.

The Kashmiri Pandit Sangarsh Samiti (KPSS) described the situation as a serious security concern and called for an inquiry into the alleged leak of confidential employee information.

Panun Kashmir convenor Dr Agnishekhar also urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to order a comprehensive review of security arrangements for Kashmiri Pandit employees.

Community representatives have argued that the release of specific names and personal details represents a more targeted threat than general warnings issued in the past.

Comes amid heightened security concerns

The latest threat comes against the backdrop of sporadic violence in parts of South Kashmir, including incidents reported in Anantnag and Kulgam.

Security agencies have consequently maintained heightened alert levels across the region while investigating the latest online material.

Authorities are now examining both the credibility of the threat and how sensitive information about government employees may have reached those behind the document.