Two Houses Attached in Pulwama and Kulgam for Harbouring Militants

Two residential houses in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama and Kulgam districts were attached by police after they were found to be used for sheltering terrorists. One of the houses was also the site of a previous encounter where security forces personnel lost their lives.

In an unprecedented move, the Jammu and Kashmir police have attached two residential houses in Pulwama and Kulgam districts for harbouring militants. The action was taken after obtaining legal sanction from the competent authorities Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir.

The house in Kulgam was previously the site of a violent encounter where Deputy Superintendent of Police Aman Kumar Thakur and an army personnel were killed in 2019. Similarly, the other house in Pulwama had been the location of another encounter that resulted in the death of then Hizbul Mujahideen HM Commander Riyaz Naikoo.

Legal Sanctions and Investigations

The residential house owned by Sanaullah Mir at Turigam in Kulgam was linked to a case registered under sections of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC), Arms Act, and Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). This connection emerged when three hardcore terrorists were neutralised during an encounter at this very location. DSP Thakur along with army personnel Soumveer attained martyrdom while battling these terrorists during this operation.

An investigation into these incidents revealed that both houses were used for sheltering and harbouring terrorists. In light of these findings, processes have begun as per sections 2g and 25 of UAPA to attach properties which have been used for militancy purposes.

Action against Property Owners

Azad Ahmad Teli's property located at Beighpora Awantipora in Pulwama district is one such property now attached by orders from Court of Special Judge Pulwama. Teli had been arrested on June 1, 2020, for wilfully providing shelter to two killed terrorists - Riyaz Ahmad Naikoo alias Zubair-ul-Islam and Adil Ahmad Bhat, both residents of Beighpora and Panjran Pulwama respectively.

The investigation agency presented evidence to the court proving that Teli's property was used as a shelter for known Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists. The court subsequently attached Teli's residential house existing on land measuring seven marla after examining the chargesheet and other available records produced by the prosecution.

This kind of attachment order under Section 33 of UAPA is unprecedented in Jammu and Kashmir police history, marking a significant shift in their approach towards tackling terrorism at its roots.

In conclusion, this action taken by the Jammu and Kashmir police signifies a crucial step forward in combating terrorism within the region. By targeting properties used for harbouring militants, authorities are sending out a clear message - no one can aid or abet terrorist activities without facing severe consequences. This move also serves as an effective deterrent for others who might consider providing shelter to terrorists. As such measures continue to be enforced rigorously, it is hoped that they will significantly contribute to restoring peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir.