SRINAGAR: The NIA/UAPA Court for Kulgam and Shopian has convicted Towseef Ahmed Thokar, son of Mohammad Yousaf Thokar of Khawajapora Reban, Zainapora, in the 2021 Imam Sahab encounter.
The case was registered under FIR No. 25/2021 at Police Station Imam Sahab. The court found Towseef guilty under Sections 16, 18, and 20 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Section 307 of the IPC, and Section 7/27 of the Arms Act. The matter was listed for sentencing on November 17, after which he was awarded six years of imprisonment.
The case pertains to the encounter of May 5, 2021, in Imam Sahab, Shopian, where three militants, Danish Ahmed Mir, Zahid Bashir, and Umar Hassan Bhat, were killed. Towseef was apprehended alive from the encounter site along with arms and ammunition.
Special Judge Parvaiz Iqbal, while delivering the judgment, noted that given the rising threat of militancy, courts must adopt a firm approach towards acts that threaten national security, while upholding constitutional safeguards and ensuring a fair trial.
“The prosecution has successfully proved all charges beyond a reasonable doubt,” the judgment states, adding that Towseef stands convicted of attempted murder, illegal possession of arms, committing a terrorist act, conspiracy, and membership of a terrorist organisation.
The judgment was pronounced in open court in the virtual presence of the accused, the Public Prosecutor, and the defence counsel. (KNC)
