Separatist leader Sheikh Aziz gets bail

Jammu, Nov 29 (UNI) A designated TADA Court has granted bail to Sheikh Abdul Aziz, a prominent ideologue of separatist groups in Jammu and Kashmir and general secretary of Peoples League.

Aziz had earlier been granted bail by a designated TADA/POTA court in Srinagar on January 28, 1999 but he could not be released because the prosecution had filed objections and also he was lodged in Tihar Central Jail, New Delhi, at that time.

The prosecution, in its objection, had then submitted that the accused had several cases pending against him, including under Public Safety Act (PSA), and granting him bail would hamper the trial.

Aziz was yesterday brought to the court by a police officer from District Jail, Jammu where presiding judge N D Wani held that though several production warrants for Aziz were sent to the Tihar Jail since August 31, 2006, they could not be executed.

The court directed Aziz to furnish a fresh bail bond of Rs 60,000 and a personal bond of like amount.

Aziz's case had been transferred to the Jammu court on May 8, 2000.

UNI HGV YA RAI1323