SRINAGAR: A designated National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Srinagar has issued a proclamation against Hizbul Mujahideen chief Mohammad Yousuf Shah, widely known as Syed Salahuddin, and three other individuals. The order declares them absconders in a militancy-related case dating back to 1996, which was initially registered by the Crime Investigation Kashmir (CIK).
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the Additional Sessions Judge (TADA/POTA) and Special Judge designated under the NIA Act, Manjeet Rai, directed the issuance of the proclamation under Section 84 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. The court was satisfied that the accused persons had absconded and were deliberately evading lawful arrest.
The proclamation specifically names Syed Salahuddin, Ghulam Nabi Khan, Sher Mohammad, and Nasir Yousuf Qadri. These individuals are implicated in connection with FIR No. 05/1996, registered at Police Station CIK Srinagar. The case involves charges under various sections of the Ranbir Penal Code, including 121 (waging war against the government of India), 121-A (conspiracy to wage war), 153-A (promoting enmity between different groups), and 153-B (imputations prejudicial to national integration). Additionally, charges under Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Sections 2/3 of the E&IMCO (Entry into and exit from India for Persons of Indian Origin) are also invoked.
According to the prosecution, the case was initiated on April 5, 1996, based on intelligence indicating that Pakistani intelligence agencies were allegedly encouraging Kashmiri youth to join militant organisations and undergo training abroad to wage war against India. Investigators have alleged that Syed Salahuddin played a pivotal role in delivering speeches aimed at motivating young individuals for this purpose.
The court’s order reflects that arrest warrants were previously issued against these accused on February 26, 2026. Subsequent reports submitted by police officials, field officers, village heads, and local representatives indicated that the accused were no longer residing at their known addresses and were actively concealing themselves to avoid apprehension.
Having examined the evidence presented, the court concluded that the legal prerequisites for issuing a proclamation had been met. Consequently, all four accused have been ordered to appear before the court no later than July 14, 2026. The Investigating Officer and the Station House Officer of Police Station CIK Srinagar have been tasked with ensuring the proclamation is published according to legal mandates. This includes public reading of the proclamation, affixing it at the known residences of the accused, display at the court premises, and publication in a newspaper circulated in the areas where the accused ordinarily reside.
The NIA has been further directed to submit a compliance report detailing the completion of the proclamation process.
❤️ Support Independent Journalism
Your contribution keeps our reporting free, fearless, and accessible to everyone.
Or make a one-time donation
Secure via Razorpay • 12 monthly payments • Cancel anytime before next cycle
(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)
The Chenab Times News Desk
