Srinagar, Nov 12,: Jammu and Kashmir Police have ordered the attachment of a two-storey residential house and adjoining land belonging to Mian Abdul Qayoom, former President of the Jammu and Kashmir Bar Association, under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
According to an order issued by the J&K Police Headquarters, the action pertains to FIR No. 157/2009 registered at Police Station Shaheed Gunj under sections 120, 120-B, 121, 153-A of the RPC and sections 13, 38, and 39 of the UAPA. The FIR originated from a December 31, 2009, incident in which a seminar was held at Hotel Jahangir Srinagar on the death anniversary of late Ali Mohammad Jinnah. The event, reportedly organized by separatist leaders including Feroz Ahmad Khan of the Muslim League, featured speeches by several participants including Aasia Andrabi, Shabir Ahmad Najar, and Mian Abdul Qayoom.
Police said that the speeches delivered during the seminar were anti-India in nature, advocating secession of Jammu and Kashmir and calling for the establishment of Islamic law. Witness statements recorded during investigation confirmed that the participants raised inflammatory slogans, instigating the audience against the integrity of India.
Subsequent searches at Qayoom’s residence in Barzulla, Srinagar, carried out under court orders, led to the recovery of incriminating material. Among the items seized were banned literature, a blank letterhead of the outlawed Hizbul Mujahideen, seal impressions of the organization in both English and Urdu, and a letter purportedly from Hizbul chief Syed Salahuddin addressed to then U.S. President Bill Clinton.
Based on the evidence collected, investigators concluded that the accused used his residential premises, comprising a two-storey house and 2 kanals, 1 marla, and 90 square feet of land, for concealing incriminating material and furthering terrorist activities. Police said the property, registered under mutation No. 338 in Qayoom’s name, falls within the ambit of “proceeds of terrorism” as defined under Section 2(g) of the UAPA.
Exercising powers under Section 25 of the Act, the Director General of Police accorded approval for the attachment of the said property located at Bulbul Bagh, Barzulla, Srinagar. [KNT]
