Srinagar Police attach property of senior lawyer Mian Abdul Qayoom after recovery of banned literature

Srinagar, November 12: In a major development, police authorities in Srinagar have attached the residential property of senior lawyer and former Kashmir Bar Association president, Mian Abdul Qayoom, under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Officials stated that the action follows a long-pending case registered at Police Station Shaheed Gunj in FIR No. 157/2009, invoking Sections 120, 120-B, 121, and 153-A of the Ranbir Penal Code, along with Sections 13, 38, and 39 of the UAPA.

According to a police spokesperson, the case traces back to December 31, 2009, when a seminar was organized at Hotel Jahangir in Srinagar on the death anniversary of Mohammad Ali Jinnah. The event, reportedly led by Feroz Ahmad Khan, vice-chairman of the banned Muslim League, was attended by several separatist leaders, including Aasia Andrabi, Shabir Ahmad Najar, and Mian Abdul Qayoom. Police said that during the seminar, participants allegedly delivered inflammatory speeches and raised slogans advocating the secession of Jammu and Kashmir from India and the imposition of Islamic law in the region.

The investigation, as per officials, involved recording statements from multiple witnesses who corroborated the presence and participation of Qayoom in the event. Based on the collected evidence, police concluded that his actions and associations were consistent with offences under the UAPA. A subsequent court-approved search was conducted at his residence in Bulbul Bagh, Barzulla, where the police reportedly recovered incriminating materials, including banned literature, a blank letterhead and seal of Hizbul Mujahideen, a press note resembling the outfit’s propaganda, a letter from Syed Salahuddin addressed to then US President Bill Clinton, and a seal impression of Hizbul Mujahideen in Urdu.

Following the recovery, investigators added Sections 38 and 39 of the UAPA, citing evidence that Qayoom had allegedly used his property to conceal banned material and support activities linked to proscribed organizations. Officials said the two-storeyed house, built on land measuring 2 kanals, 1 marla, and 90 square feet, was used to facilitate unlawful activities.

Police further stated that the property, registered under mutation number 338, qualifies as proceeds of terrorism under Section 2(g) of the UAPA. Accordingly, under Section 25 of the Act, and after obtaining prior approval from competent authorities, the house and adjoining land have been formally attached. The case remains under active investigation at Police Station Shaheed Gunj, and authorities have not ruled out further legal proceedings based on additional evidence.

Officials emphasized that the move aligns with the government’s ongoing efforts to curb terrorism financing and dismantle networks supporting secessionist activities in Jammu and Kashmir. They reiterated that law enforcement agencies will continue to take firm action against individuals and entities found to be providing ideological or logistical support to banned outfits.