Concerns Arise Over Security Risks in Strategic Hydropower Project in Jammu and Kashmir

The Ratle hydropower project in Jammu and Kashmir faces serious security concerns as a police letter reveals that 29 employees may have links to terrorism or criminal activities. This situation raises critical questions about national security in strategic projects. With political tensions escalating and project delays attributed to external pressures, the implications of these findings could have far-reaching consequences. The ongoing debate highlights the need for stringent monitoring and accountability in national projects, emphasizing that even minor oversights can lead to significant risks. Discover the full story behind this alarming situation and its impact on development and security in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 19, 2025, 14:38 IST

Security Risks in National Projects

Strategically significant projects inherently carry high risks. They attract attention from hostile nations and terrorist organizations, making their security a top priority. However, the situation becomes even more perilous when threats emerge not from external sources but from within. This raises a critical question: what if individuals involved in a national project have connections to terrorist activities or criminal backgrounds? This scenario transcends mere administrative oversight or errors by the construction company; it directly jeopardizes national security.

Jammu and Kashmir Police's Alarming Findings

A letter from the Jammu and Kashmir police has brought this alarming reality to light. Reports indicate that on November 1, the police issued a serious warning to Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Limited (MEIL) regarding 29 employees working on the under-construction 850 MW Ratle hydropower project in the Drabshalla area of Kishtwar. Allegations suggest these individuals may have links to terrorist activities or possess criminal backgrounds. The letter, authored by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Naresh Singh, highlighted that a routine police verification of local employees revealed their involvement in 'destructive/anti-national activities.' The SSP explicitly warned that retaining such individuals could compromise the project's security due to their potential terrorist connections or criminal records.

Recommendations for Employee Monitoring

The letter further emphasized that hydropower projects are of strategic and national importance, making them high-risk targets for adversarial nations. Consequently, the police advised MEIL to reconsider the employment of these individuals, maintain strict surveillance on their activities, and promptly report any suspicious behavior to law enforcement. Notably, the police report identified five individuals among the 29 with documented terrorist connections, including relatives of a notorious local terrorist, a son of a suspected overground worker, and a son of a surrendered terrorist. Additionally, one individual faces allegations of contaminating water sources and document forgery, while the remaining 23 have been implicated in criminal cases such as illegal infiltration and damage to public or private property.

Political Reactions and Project Delays

The situation escalated when BJP MLA Shagun Parihar stated that the police letter corroborated his previous allegations. The controversy began when MEIL's Chief Operating Officer (COO) Harpal Singh publicly accused Parihar of delaying the project. In response to the police's letter, Singh acknowledged its receipt and assured that the company would monitor suspicious activities. However, he questioned how legal action could be taken against an employee based solely on familial ties to a terrorist without a court conviction.

Project Delays and Accountability

The Ratle project, with an estimated cost of approximately ₹3,700 crores and a completion deadline of September 2026, has already faced a two-year delay. Singh attributed these setbacks to the interference of MLA Shagun Parihar and local pressures. Parihar, in turn, dismissed these claims as irresponsible, suggesting they were an attempt to cover up the company's incompetence. The controversy surrounding the Ratle hydropower project extends beyond the employment of 29 individuals; it exposes the perilous intersection of development, security, and politics in Jammu and Kashmir. The pressing question remains: should there be any leniency regarding national security in such projects? While the police issue written warnings about potential security compromises, the company cites legal technicalities to evade responsibility.

The Implications of Legal Technicalities

The company's argument that no action can be taken until a court finds someone guilty may sound democratic, but in reality, it reflects a dangerous negligence. Nationally significant projects are not mere factories; even a minor oversight can lead to catastrophic consequences.