Srinagar
The J&K government has ordered prosecution of nine youths from Srinagar for raising Daesh flag in Jamia Masjid three years ago.
The flag was hoisted in the premises of historic Jamia Masjid on October 17, 2014 following which police registered an FIR (No. 92/2014) under section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 in police station Nowhatta here.
Sources in the home department said that the investigations have revealed nine persons, mainly from Old City areas of Srinagar, were involved.
Those involved, have been identified as Sajad Ahmad Gilkar son of Nazir Ahmad of Pandan Nowhatta, Auqib Ahmad Mir son of Abdul Rahman Mir of Wantpora Nowhatta, Yasir Maqbool Mir son of Mohammad Maqbool Mir of Alamgari Bazar Zadibal, Obaid Ali Bhat son of All Mohammad of Daribal Khanyar, Arshad Ahmad Sofi son of Abdul Majid of Chandpora Hawal, Hashim Farooq Mir son of Farooq Ahmad of Ikhrajpora Jawher Nagar, Arshad Ahmad Wani son of Mohammad Sadiq of Safakadal, Abrar Farooq Wani son of Farooq Ahmad of Baba Pora Saidakadal and Javid Ahmad Sofi son of Abdul Rashid of Baghi-Nand Singh Chattabal.
Sajad Ahmad Gilkar was killed in an encounter with forces earlier this year after he picked up arms and was trapped in a Budgam village.
“The Investigating Officer has established a prima-facie case against the accused persons under section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 apart from other offences,” an SRO issued by the Home Secretary reads.
“After examining the case diary, the relevant documents and also taking into consideration the observations and recommendations of the authority appointed under sub-section (2) of section 45 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, the state government is of the view that there is sufficient material and evidence available against the accused persons for their prosecution under the provisions of law,” it said and accorded sanction against the nine youths.
When the flags surfaced, the then chief minister Omar Abdullah had downplayed it and had said that action had been taken against the “foolish youths” who displayed the flags.
