In a significant legal development concerning cross-border terrorism, a special court in Jammu has issued a proclamation directing a Pakistan-based terror handler to appear before it by August 21. The directive is in connection with the twin bomb blasts that occurred in Katra and Narwal in the Jammu region during 2022-23. The Jammu and Kashmir Police successfully executed this special court proclamation in the Reasi district on Saturday, signaling a determined effort to bring perpetrators of terror activities operating from across the border to justice.
The proclamation was executed against Mohd Qasim, also known as ‘Salman’, a resident of Angralla village in Reasi. He is identified as a wanted cross-border terror handler and is believed to have fled to Pakistan. The action was taken in compliance with the orders of the third additional sessions judge, Jammu, which functions as a designated court under the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the case is linked to an FIR registered at the Mahore police station under the stringent provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). This move underscores the persistent resolve of the Jammu and Kashmir Police to dismantle terror networks and hold accountable individuals orchestrating violence in the Union Territory from foreign soil.
The proclamation, issued under Section 84 of the Bench and Session Act (BNSS), publicly declared Mohd Qasim a wanted terrorist. A police team, led by Sub-Divisional Police Officer Parul Bhardwaj, visited the accused’s ancestral residence in Angralla village. In the presence of local representatives, the court’s order was read out publicly, formally notifying Qasim of the legal proceedings against him. The court has mandated his appearance on or before August 21. Failure to comply with this directive will result in further legal actions being initiated against him under Section 85 of the BNSS, as stated by a police spokesperson. This legal maneuver is a crucial step in the process of prosecuting individuals accused of serious terror-related offenses, especially when they are beyond the immediate jurisdiction of Indian law enforcement agencies.
Mohd Qasim is reportedly involved in multiple UAPA cases, with the 2022-23 Katra and Narwal blast incidents being among the most prominent. His alleged involvement in orchestrating these attacks from Pakistan highlights the persistent threat posed by cross-border terrorism to peace and security in Jammu and Kashmir. The police have also appealed to the general public for cooperation, urging anyone with credible information regarding Qasim’s whereabouts to report it to the nearest police station. This call for public assistance is a common tactic in counter-terrorism operations, aiming to leverage local intelligence networks to track down fugitives and disrupt their activities. The execution of such proclamations is a testament to the legal framework in place to pursue justice for victims of terrorism, even when the accused are operating from outside the country.
The designated court under the NIA Act plays a pivotal role in handling cases related to terrorism, particularly those with international dimensions or involving cross-border elements. By issuing such directives, the court aims to exert legal pressure on wanted individuals and signal to their facilitators that they cannot escape accountability. The UAPA provides a robust legal framework for dealing with acts of terrorism, including those committed by individuals or groups based abroad but targeting India. The inclusion of Section 84 and Section 85 of the BNSS in this process allows for specific procedures to be followed when an accused person is absconding or believed to be outside the country, enabling the continuation of legal proceedings and the potential for eventual conviction and sentencing in absentia if necessary.
The Katra and Narwal bomb blasts, which are central to this legal action, caused significant concern and disruption in the Jammu region. Investigations into these incidents have consistently pointed towards the involvement of Pakistan-based terror modules. The J&K Police, in collaboration with central agencies, have been actively pursuing leads to dismantle these networks and apprehend those responsible. The current action against Mohd Qasim is a direct outcome of these ongoing efforts, reflecting a strategic approach to address the complex challenges posed by terrorism emanating from across the Line of Control. The legal process initiated by the Jammu court is expected to put further international pressure on Pakistan to take action against terror handlers operating from its soil.
The execution of the court’s proclamation is a procedural step that aims to formally notify the accused of the charges against him and the court’s demand for his appearance. It is a critical component of the legal process in cases where the accused is not present within the jurisdiction of the court. The public reading of the order ensures that the proclamation is widely disseminated, potentially leading to international alerts and cooperation requests. The involvement of local representatives during the execution of the proclamation also serves to demonstrate transparency and adherence to legal procedures within the community. This proactive legal stance by the Jammu courts, supported by the J&K Police, is a clear message that the authorities are committed to ensuring that no terrorist, regardless of their location, evades justice for crimes committed against the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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