Property of former HC Bar Association president attached in UAPA case

The Jammu and Kashmir Police have attached the residential property of former High Court Bar Association (Kashmir) president Mian Abdul Qayoom in connection with a terror-related case dating back to 2009. Qayoom, currently in jail for his alleged involvement in the murder of advocate Babar Qadri, has been accused of delivering inflammatory speeches and promoting anti-national activities.

According to police, Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat ordered the attachment under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) after a thorough investigation confirmed the property’s use for unlawful activities.

The case, registered at Shaheed Gunj Police Station, Srinagar, pertains to a seminar held on December 31, 2009, to mark the death anniversary of Mohammad Ali Jinnah. The event, organised by separatist leaders led by Feroz Ahmad Khan, then vice chairman of the Muslim League, was attended by Aasia Andrabi, Shabir Ahmad Najar, and Mian Abdul Qayoom, among others.

“During the seminar, the participants delivered anti-India speeches, raised anti-national slogans, and called for the imposition of Islamic law in Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that the region’s future lay with Pakistan,” a police statement said.

A case was subsequently registered under Sections 120, 120-B, 121, and 153-A of the Ranbir Penal Code and Section 13 of the UAPA. Investigations revealed that the speeches and slogans aimed to incite public hostility against India and promote secessionist sentiments.

During a court-sanctioned search of Qayoom’s residence at Bulbul Bagh, Barzulla, Srinagar, police reportedly recovered banned literature, a blank Hizbul Mujahideen letterhead and seal, a typed press note attributed to the militant outfit, and a letter from Syed Salahuddin addressed to the then US President Bill Clinton. Based on these findings, Sections 38 and 39 of the UAPA were also invoked.

Police concluded that Qayoom had used his two-storeyed house and adjoining land (measuring two kanals, one marla, and 90 sq ft) for concealing incriminating material and aiding terrorist activities. The property, registered under mutation number 338, was therefore declared as “proceeds of terrorism” under Section 2(g) of the UAPA and ordered to be attached under Section 25 of the Act.