J&K administration says no work from home order for Pandits in Kashmir; CM Abdullah says ‘a credible threat cannot be taken lightly’

Even as the J&K administration on Friday (August 14, 2026) refuted any work-from-home orders for Kashmiri Pandits working in Kashmir, the community has approached the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) to “probe how personal data of Prime Minister Package Employees in Kashmir was leaked” and made it to a purported terror threat letter online. J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said “a credible threat cannot be taken lightly”.

Rakesh Handu, a Pandit social activist, said he was in touch with the six Pandit employees whose names and mobile numbers figured in the threat letter online and “were shifted to Jammu”.

Mr. Handu, on behalf of Kashmiri Pandit PM Package employees, has submitted a representation to the NHRC and NCM. “For the last few days, threat letters and lists are again circulating. These lists contain name, department, place of posting, and personal mobile numbers of PM Package employees. This is not isolated. Similar lists were published by Kashmir Fight / TRF (The Resistance Front) blog in 2022 (56 employees) and 2023 (57 PM Package teachers),” said Mr. Handu, in the letter.

He pointed out that after the targeted killings of Rahul Bhat, Rajni Bala post-2019, “many of Pandit employees had submitted en mass resignations citing threat to life”.

“When a religious minority serving the Government is openly threatened, named, and told not to hoist the national flag, it is a test of human rights and minority rights in a democracy,” reads the letter.

The letter demanded a FIR and probe by the police’s Cyber Cell and the National Investigation Agency. “There should be an immediate security audit of all PM Package employees and transit camps, especially before 15th August celebrations. Till threat assessment is complete, allow work from home or attachment to Jammu,” it added.

Meanwhile, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Anshul Garg on Friday (August 14, 2026) said no order has been issued asking Pandit employees to work from home. “The administration has made necessary security arrangements for employees, residents and the general public ahead of the Independence Day celebrations in Srinagar. We should rely on the authentic information channels that are provided by the government and the administration,” said Mr. Garg.

Reacting to Mr. Garg’s statement, Mr. Handu sought clarification from the J&K administration and said, “Why are these contradictory statements coming from Honourable Divisional Commissioner Kashmir?”

Meanwhile, J&K CM Abdullah said militancy may be declared “finished.” “But a credible threat cannot be taken lightly. Those responsible for security must act decisively, identify those behind it, and ensure foolproof protection,” said Mr. Abdullah.