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‘Mirwaiz turns down NIA directive to appear in Delhi’

MAJID NABI. Dated: 3/12/2019 11:17:50 AM

Fears over security concerns expressed

SRINAGAR, March 11: Chairman Hurriyat Conference (M), Mirwaiz Umar Farooq turned down National Investigation Agency (NIA) directive to appear before the investigators for questioning in alleged funding case in New Delhi today.
NIA which probes funding case had on Saturday last summoned Mirwaiz, who also holds title of Grand Cleric of Kashmir, to New Delhi for questioning.
Mirwaiz, citing security reasons and probable disturbance in the valley for obvious reasons, in a written response through his counsel, Adv Aijaz Dhar asked the probe agency to carryout investigation in Srinagar or pleaded that infallible security be provided to him to New Delhi in case of urgency.
“Under the prevailing conditions of hostility wherein there is a threat to the personal safety of my client it becomes unwise for him (Mirwaiz) to travel to New Delhi. If the NIA wants to examine Mirwaiz Umar Farooq they can do it in Srinagar as well,” reads the letter, adding he is willing to cooperate as he (Mirwaiz) has nothing to hide.
It has also been alleged that Mirwaiz is being victimized solely for his political views and advocating Kashmir cause. The letter further reads that vicious media campaign/trial carried on the basis of unsubstantiated and adhoc leak of information for investigation agency has vitiated the atmosphere in India.
It said that the family of Mirwaiz has been pioneer in spreading education in Kashmir and always stood for humanity, social and political rights of the epee of Kashmir.
“I have been further informed that my client has cooperated with the investigating agencies. Recently his home was raided on February 26th; no obstruction of any kind was caused. Many documents, personal belongings, laptop, cell phones were taken away sans any receipt,” reads the written response of Mirwaiz to NIA.
It adds the notice in question appears to have been issued on the basis of fallacious assumptions and misinformation solely aimed at to malign Mirwaiz.
“My client is not acquainted with the subject matter of FIR/NIA crime No. RC-10/2017/NIA/DlI as referred to in the notice. It is on record that in 2004 and 05, Mirwaiz and his colleagues from Hurriyat engaged in dialogue initiated by the then PM of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee which was continued by his successor Manmohan Singh,” Mirwaiz said in a repose.
It further stated that the government of India facilitated travel of Mirwaiz and his colleagues to Pakistan to pave way for a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir issue.