Jammu: A special National Investigation Agency court in Jammu has issued a fresh non-bailable warrant against Lashkar-e-Taiba founder and designated terrorist Hafiz Mohammad Saeed in connection with a terror investigation.
According to the investigation, Saeed, who is currently based in Pakistan, is allegedly providing financial support, weapons and directions to terrorists operating in Jammu and Kashmir. The agency has described him as a designated terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the founder of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba outfit.
The NIA informed the court that Saeed remains in Pakistan and is deliberately avoiding arrest. As efforts to secure his presence through regular legal procedures have not succeeded, the court approved the issuance of a non-bailable arrest warrant.
The court also directed that the warrant be forwarded to the Deputy Inspector General of the NIA in Jammu for execution in accordance with the law.
The case began after security personnel intercepted a suspected terrorist at a checkpoint near Gujjar Tent in the Pandach area. A Chinese-made grenade and 15 live cartridges were allegedly recovered from his possession. During questioning, the suspect was identified as Mohammad Naqeeb Bhat, a resident of Srinagar.
An FIR was subsequently registered under provisions of the UAPA, Arms Act and Explosive Substances Act.
The latest warrant is the second non-bailable warrant issued against Saeed by the Jammu NIA court in less than two months.
In July, the court issued another warrant against him in connection with the investigation into the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 tourists were killed. The NIA has identified Saeed as an alleged mastermind in the case and has been investigating his suspected role in planning and facilitating the attack.
The latest court order adds another legal step in the ongoing investigation into the alleged terror network and its links to attacks and militant activity in Jammu and Kashmir.
