NIA court issues proclamation order against wanted militant in Kulgam

Kulgam, Oct 04: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) Court has issued a proclamation order against a wanted militant from south Kashmir’s Kulgam district who has been evading arrest in connection with a case registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Officials said that the proclamation order has been issued against Zakir Ahmad Ganie, son of Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Ganie, a resident of Mutalhama area in Kulgam district. Ganie has been accused of involvement in unlawful and militant activities and has been absconding for months despite repeated summons and warrants.

According to police sources, Ganie is wanted in connection with Case FIR No. 200/2023 registered at Police Station Kulgam under Sections 13, 16, 18B, 20, and 38 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The case pertains to his alleged role in supporting militant groups operating in the region and facilitating their activities through logistical and communication channels.

The proclamation order, issued under the directions of the NIA Court, comes after investigative agencies exhausted all means to trace the accused. Legal experts said that under the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), a proclamation order is issued when a person deliberately evades arrest and fails to appear before the court despite public notices and repeated opportunities.

“The issuance of proclamation means that the accused is now declared as a proclaimed offender. His movable and immovable properties can be attached by the investigating agency if he fails to surrender within the stipulated time,” a senior official familiar with the proceedings said. [KNT]