NIA Files Chargesheet Against Accused and Deceased JeM Terrorists
The NIA has filed a 535-page chargesheet against Maneer Ahmed and three deceased JeM terrorists regarding the Kishtwar terror attack.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken a major step in the Kishtwar terror attack case by filing a comprehensive chargesheet in a special court in Jammu. The document names an arrested individual, Maneer Ahmed, alongside three Pakistani terrorists who were killed during the incident.
Details of the 535-Page Chargesheet
The massive 535-page chargesheet outlines the intricate conspiracy behind the attack that occurred on February 22 at Chatroo, Wani Mohalla, Passer Kote, in the Kishtwar district. According to the NIA, the investigation has successfully traced the roots of this terror plot back to Pakistan.
The chargesheet specifically highlights the roles of the three deceased terrorists, including Saifullah. Saifullah, a Pakistani national, served as a commander for the banned terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The investigation revealed that the attackers were part of a group affiliated with the Kashmir Tigers (Azrael Group), which operates as an offshoot of JeM.
The Role of Maneer Ahmed
Maneer Ahmed, who is currently in custody, faces serious charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967. The NIA alleges that Ahmed played a critical role by:
- Voluntarily harbouring terrorists involved in attacks on civilians and security forces.
- Concealing the presence of terrorists in the hilly terrains of the Kishtwar district.
- Providing essential logistical support to the terror module.
The Kishtwar Attack and Aftermath
The terror module was active in the upper reaches of the Kishtwar district and was implicated in multiple attacks that resulted in the loss of lives among both local residents and security personnel. During the February 22 incident, the three terrorists led by Saifullah engaged in violence, but were ultimately eliminated following retaliatory fire from security forces.
The NIA's investigation, which spanned nearly five months, has invoked various penal sections against the deceased terrorists for hatching a cross-border conspiracy and attempting to wage war against the nation. While this chargesheet has been submitted, the agency noted that further investigations into the matter are still ongoing.
Separate Verdict on International Arms Smuggling
In a related development involving international terror conspiracies, a special NIA court has handed down a sentence to a Thai national. Willy Naruenartwanich, also known as Willy, an international arms smuggler, was sentenced to six years of imprisonment.
The court found him guilty of involvement in an international arms procurement conspiracy linked to the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah). The sentencing breakdown includes:
- Three years for conspiracy.
- Two years for preparation to wage war against India.
- Two years for terror conspiracy.
Additionally, the court imposed a fine of Rs 5 lakh on the convict in this case, which dates back to 2011.