J&K Court Declares Ghulam Nabi Fai As A Proclaimed Offender In UAPA Case

A Special Court in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district has declared Ghulam Nabi Fai, a U.S. citizen originally from Kashmir, a proclaimed offender in a case registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The order followed after it was submitted by the police that Fai has consistently evaded arrest, despite the issuance of warrants. Therefore, acting on the plea, the NIA-designated court directed Fai to surrender before Jammu and Kashmir Police within 30 days.

The proclaimed offender hails from Budgam and currently heads the Washington-based Kashmiri American Council (KAC). Authorities in India allege that the organisation is backed by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and accuse Fai of promoting separatist interests under FIR lodged at Budgam Police Station.

The charges fall under Sections 10, 13, and 39 of the UAPA that deal with association with unlawful groups and providing them support.

He was convicted in the United States for concealing the source of foreign funding used for lobbying activities related to Kashmir in 2011. He served a two year sentence for conspiracy and tax-related violations.

The case also comes on the heels of a similar move by the same Budgam court against Syed Salahuddin, the head of the banned militant group Hizbul Mujahideen. Salahuddin, who hails from Soibugh village in Budgam, was served notice to appear in connection with a 2002 murder and Arms Act case.

While extradition remains a complex issue in both cases, officials say that the proclamation orders help India establish a stronger legal and diplomatic position on the global stage, especially in matters involving cross-border terrorism.