NIA court extends separatist Shabir Shah’s custody in 1996 mob violence case till May 6

JAMMU: A designated NIA court in Jammu Monday extended the remand of separatist leader Shabir Ahmad Shah till May 6 in connection with a three decades old terror case.

Shah was produced before special judge Prem Sagar by the chief investigating officer of NIA, who sought further custody of Shah for investigations into the 1996 Naaz Crossing mob violence case in Srinagar, officials said.

Observing that the accused was prima facie involved in serious offences punishable under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and Arms Act, the court extended his custody for 10 more days, but directed the agency expedite the probe and strictly adhere to provisions of BNNS. The court further directed that the accused be medically examined every 48 hours.

Shah, who was recently released on bail after spending nearly seven years in jail in other cases, was arrested in Delhi by the Srinagar branch of NIA on April 17 in connection with the 1996 case, related to a mob attack on policemen during a terrorist’s funeral. He was brought to Jammu on transit remand and produced before the NIA court.

According to the prosecution, during the course of investigation, the accused admitted his presence at Naaz Crossing at the time of the attack, and allegedly led the mob along with other Hurriyat Conference leaders. However, he has not disclosed the identity of the terrorists involved, despite repeated questioning.

It was also submitted that the terror probe agency has formally written to CID Kashmir and Doordarshan Kashmir (DD Kashmir) seeking archival footage and other material related to the incident dated July 17, 1996.

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