Srinagar: A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court, on Friday, declared Pakistan-based Hizbul Mujahideen chief Mohammad Yousuf Shah, alias Syed Salahuddin, a proclaimed offender under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
The Court issued a proclamation requiring the appearance of Shah, a resident of Soibugh, Badgam, in connection with serious charges under the UAPA and the Ranbir Penal Code.
Salahuddin, who is now based in Pakistan was declared a specially designated global terrorist by the US in 2017.
According to court records, a challan was filed alleging that the accused has committed offences punishable under Sections 13 and 18 of the UA(P) Act and Section 505 of the RPC in Zakura police station.
Despite a warrant being issued for his arrest, law enforcement authorities have reported that Salahuddin could not be found and is believed to have absconded or is deliberately concealing his whereabouts to evade arrest.
Under these circumstances, the court declared Salahuddin as absconding and issued a proclamation requiring his appearance before the court on or before August 30, to answer the charges framed against him.
Failure to appear may lead to further legal action, including proceedings under Section 82/83 of the Code of Criminal Procedure pertaining to the attachment of property of an absconder.
The Srinagar police have appealed to the public for any information on the whereabouts of Salahuddin and urged cooperation in the interest of justice and public safety.
