Srinagar, Apr 15 (UNI) A court in Jammu and Kashmir’s Budgam district has issued a proclamation notice against banned Hizbul Mujahideen chief Mohammad Yousuf Shah alias Syed Salahuddin, directing him to appear before it in connection with a 2002 murder case.
The order issued on April 10 directed Salahuddin—who is currently believed to be residing in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)—to appear before the court within one month from the date of publication of the notice.
Salahuddin, who fled to Pakistan in early nineties, was declared a designated terrorist by the Indian government in October 2020 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Salahuddin, also heads the United Jehad Council, a conglomerate of around 13 Pakistan-based Kashmir centric militant outfits.
According to the order issued by Principal Sessions Judge Budgam, the accused Salahuddin has been evading arrest since 2002, when he was booked in an FIR registered under Sections 302 (murder) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the Ranbir Penal Code, and the Arms Act, at Police Station Budgam.
The court noted that despite repeated attempts by the Jammu and Kashmir Police to trace and arrest Salahuddin, there has been no success.
“From the information laid down and statement of the SHO (Station House Officer) Police Station Budgam and Tameeli concerned I am satisfied that above named accused is putting up in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir and there is no chance of his appearance in the Court as he is evading the process of this Court. It is difficult and impossible for the police to arrest him in execution of warrants issued by the Court. As such, proclamation is hereby published and made in Government Gazette as well as in daily newspapers requiring the accused to appear in Court within one month from the date of publication,” the Court order read.
The copies of the proclamation were pasted in Soibugh- the native village of Salahuddin.
The proclamation has been directed by the court to be publicly read in a conspicuous place in the locality where the accused last resided.
UNI MJR SJC