J&K: All terrorism cases to be monitored by multi-agency group
What's the story
A multi-body terror monitoring agency is now set to widen its ambit for also monitoring the progress of all terror-related cases in Jammu & Kashmir.
The J&K Police-led group includes members from the Intelligence Bureau, CBI, NIA, and Income-Tax Department.
It was constituted for evaluating evidence when the Center decided to declare Jammat-e-Islami (Jammu & Kashmir) and Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front as banned organizations.
Primary motive
Group will continue to monitor major terror-related cases: Official
"The group will continue to monitor major terror-related cases," said a senior official at the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
"The primary motive is to ensure that terror-related cases, especially those before the courts, do not fall between two stools for lack of evidence. That is why the J&K Police has been made the fulcrum," the senior official added.
Information
Investigative agencies looking into terror funding cases in J&K
Meanwhile, investigative agencies are also looking into terror funding cases in J&K. Kashmiri separatist leaders Shabir Shah, Asiya Andrabi and Masarat Alam Bhat are being probed over such charges. NIA arrested these three separatist leaders who have been sent to judicial custody until July 12.
Terror financing
Steady flow of funds received for conducting terror-related activities
Another official said that NIA's investigations into terror financing in J&K revealed that a steady flow of funds have been received for conducting terror-related activities.
He added that Pakistani terrorist leader and the chief of banned Jammat-ud-Dawa, Hafiz Saeed, Hizbul Mujahedeen chief Syed Salahuddin, and other Hurriyat leaders are key accused in a terror case that the multi-agency terror monitoring group will track.
Pakistan
Pakistan sends funds through the hawala route regularly
According to a third official, Bhat is believed to have told NIA that Pakistan sends funds regularly through the hawala route.
Meanwhile, another official said the funds received by separatists are often used to create unrest in J&K.
He added, "Significant evidence relating to funding of these separatists elements through Pakistan and UAE-based businessmen... has been collected and presented to the NIA special court."