Srinagar: In a significant development, the Jammu and Kashmir Bank ousted its chief manager, Sajad Ahmad Bazaz, on Saturday, August 20th, following an investigation conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Crime Investigation Department (CID). The probe revealed that Bazaz was purportedly a deep asset of Pakistan's intelligence agency, the ISI. The investigation uncovered that Bazaz had been strategically placed within the bank to promote the agendas of terrorist-separatist networks through articles published in a prominent regional newspaper, all under the guidance of the ISI.
The order for his dismissal was issued by the bank's Managing Director under Rule/Provision 12.29 in OSM, citing the security of the state as a primary concern. The order reads, "I hereby dismiss Mr. Sajad Ahmad Bazaz, Chief Manager, Code no. 4484 from service, with immediate effect." According to reports, the ISI had reportedly planted Sajad Ahmad Bazaz in the Jammu and Kashmir Bank in 1990 through Fayaz Kaloo, the owner and editor of Greater Kashmir. Despite joining the bank as a cashier-cum-clerk in 1990, Bazaz was later promoted to head of internal communication in 2004, and a special editorial position was created for him.
Shockingly, Bazaz allegedly maintained a dual role. While officially employed by the bank, he was also a correspondent-cum-columnist for Greater Kashmir, where he illicitly penned articles furthering Pakistani propaganda. The articles, often under different pen names, purportedly supported and glorified the terrorist-secessionist campaign in Jammu and Kashmir, advocating UN intervention, tripartite talks, and claims of human rights violations. The investigation also revealed the mysterious circumstances under which Bazaz rose from a clerk to a gazetted officer, with allegations of tailored eligibility criteria and promotions granted despite not clearing necessary exams. The CID also found evidence suggesting that Bazaz used his role to fund specific newspapers and magazines through J&K Bank's advertisement funds, disproportionately favoring platforms that aligned with pro-Pakistani sentiments.
Moreover, Bazaz was reportedly in contact with known terrorists and aides, further raising concerns about his alleged connections to subversive activities. This revelation underscores the complexity of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and the extent to which external forces may have sought to influence local affairs.
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