Omar Abdullah Flags Serious Concern Over Fresh Threats to Pandit Employees

Kashmiri Pandit government employees serving in the Kashmir Valley under the Prime Minister’s employment package have sought enhanced security, a comprehensive investigation and permission to work from home after a fresh threat communication allegedly containing their personal details surfaced on social media.

The latest threat letter, purportedly dated August 23, 2026, and attributed to an outfit calling itself the United Liberation Council (ULC), reportedly names several PM Package employees and includes sensitive details such as residential addresses, vehicle numbers and phone numbers. Security agencies have yet to verify the authenticity of the poster, but employees say the circulation of such information has created a deep sense of fear and insecurity.

The All PM Package Employees Forum Kashmir has approached Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, seeking an urgent review of security at workplaces, residential accommodations and transit routes. The forum has also sought immediate protection and security guidance for employees whose names or personal details appear in the alleged threat material.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has described the threats as a serious concern and directed police, intelligence and security agencies to investigate their source and ensure the employees' safety. He recalled the targeted killings of Rahul Bhat in Budgam and Rajni Bala in Kulgam in 2022, warning that authorities should not take the latest developments lightly.

The PM Package was introduced as part of government efforts to facilitate the rehabilitation and employment of Kashmiri migrants, with thousands of jobs and dedicated transit accommodation provided for employees working in the Valley. The security of these employees has remained particularly sensitive since the 2022 killings triggered prolonged protests and demands for safer postings.

Sunny Raina, a representative of PM Package employees, said the alleged exposure of Jammu addresses, vehicle numbers and phone numbers requires an immediate probe into how the information reached the threat-makers. Employees have sought either work-from-home arrangements or robust security at offices and colonies.

The latest incident follows another purported ULC threat earlier this month, making it the second reported threat targeting PM Package employees within two weeks.

BJP leader Chetan Wanchoo has demanded a time-bound investigation into the alleged data leak and those responsible for facilitating the circulation of employee information.

For now, the key questions remain the authenticity of the threat, the source of the leaked personal information and the adequacy of existing security arrangements. Authorities' response will be crucial in reassuring employees whose continued presence in the Valley is closely linked to the government's wider rehabilitation policy.