Charges against separatist leader, 7 others

Srinagar: A court of Special Judge designated under the NIA Act framed charges against a separatist leader and seven others for allegedly procuring medical seats in Pakistan for Kashmiri students in lieu of money which was “partly used” to “support and fund terrorism and separatism in different ways”.

Last month, the Indian government issued notifications that professional degrees such as MBBS and other technical courses obtained from Pakistan will not be recognized in India.
The charges were framed against accused Mohammad Akbar Bhat alias Zaffar Akbar Bhat, Fatima Shah, Altaf Ahmad Bhat, Qazi Yasir, Mohammad Abdullah Shah, Sabzar Ahmad Sheikh, Ahmad Shah and Mohammad Iqbal Mir. Two of them were now stated to be in Pakistan.
Bhat was a Hizbul Mujahideen commander when the group declared a ceasefire in July 2000 that was reciprocated by the Centre.
The case was registered on July 27, 2020 against “unscrupulous” persons who were “hand in glove” with some educational consultancies for arranging admission of Jammu and Kashmir residents in MBBS and other professional courses in various colleges, institutions and universities in Pakistan.
“During investigation, the documents and other material seized were analyzed and it was found that deposits in the account(s) were made on account of providing admissions in various technical and professional courses in Pakistan including MBBS… The money so received was passed on to terrorist(s), stone pelters and OGW(s) for unlawful and terrorist activities,” a statement issued by NIA said.
Evidence collected showed that the admissions in MBBS and other professional courses in Pakistan was given to students who were close family members/relatives of killed terrorists on the recommendations of members of Hurriyat and received by their counterparts in Pakistan.
This was done “to boost the morale and keep the pot of terror boiling in Valley”, it said.
“The accumulated money was ploughed into militancy and to create law and other problems by disturbing peace, damaging public property, striking terror among the common masses and creating potential threat to the sovereignty of India.
“Money raised through this process was also distributed among the families of killed terrorists as a token of incentive for such families and families of active militants to boost their moral and carry forward the anti-national/subversive/radical activities against the Union of India.”