Interrogation of Shabir Ahmed Wani, arrested by the Jammu and Kashmir police on Friday, by security forces and Central intelligence agencies has reportedly revealed that certain separatist leaders in the state are in direct touch with top officials of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
Wani, district president of Hurriyat conference, has been arrested on the charges of indulging in a conspiracy to engineer violence in the Kashmir Valley and get at least 15 people killed in a procession. Wani’s name had figured in the telephonic conversations intercepted by the security agencies, in which he was allegedly heard discussing with another activist Ghulam Ahmed Dar ways to foment trouble during a procession that was taken out in Budgam district.
According to sources, the initial interrogation of Wani has revealed that certain separatist leaders in Jammu and Kashmir are in touch with the ISI and are acting on the directions from the latter. Wani has further revealed that the ISI, as well as militant outfits, are providing funds for creating “mass movements” against the state government, as well as central security forces deployed in the in the state, particularly in the Valley, sources added.
The Central agencies are now trying to trace out the funding trails of certain separatist leaders in the state. Interrogation of Wani has provided substantial clues which will help investigating agencies in probing the fund trail, sources added.
The accused has even told his interrogators that stone-pelting was preceded by well organised “distribution of stones” among the trouble-makers. “He has told his interrogators that the stones used in the recent incidents were brought in trucks at specific locations, from where they were supplied to those indulging in rioting overnight,” sources further added. “Contractors involved in stone supply trade in the state were reportedly paid hefty amount for diverting their supplies,” sources added.
Besides, there are confirmed reports that young cricket players of the Valley were chosen by separatist, as well as militant outfits, for pelting stones on security forces, sources said.
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Prominent citizens of J&K express concern
AGE CORRESPONDENT
SRINAGAR
July 9: A group of prominent citizens of the country have expressed serious concern at the “fast deteriorating situation” in the Kashmir Valley and urged the Central government to withdraw the Army from all populated areas and send it back to the barracks, release all arrested political leaders, activists and protesters and repeal the Armed Forces Special (Powers) Act-AFSPA-which it alleged has allowed the troops to kill with impunity.