US-based activist Syed declared proclaimed offender by NIA court

Kashmir-born US citizen Ghulam Nabi Fai has been declared a proclaimed offender in an Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) case in Central Kashmir’s Budgam, Kashmir Police said on Thursday.

“Police in Budgam have successfully secured the declaration of Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai as a proclaimed offender through the Special Judge, NIA Court, Budgam,” a police spokesperson said.

Fai, a resident of Wadwan, Budgam, is presently concealing himself in the US, said the spokesperson. He is involved in a case registered in 2020 at the Budgam police station under Sections 10, 13, and 39 of the UAPA, he added.

“Despite the issuance of warrants, Fai persistently evaded arrest, obstructing the legal process and avoiding accountability under the law,” the spokesman said.

In light of his continued non-cooperation and deliberate attempts to conceal himself to evade arrest, the police presented a plea before the court, the spokesperson said. Acting on this plea, the court declared Fai a proclaimed offender on Wednesday.

The court has directed Fai to surrender before the Jammu and Kashmir Police within 30 days from the proclamation date.

Fai is the founder of Kashmiri American Council and as per police sources he has for long been actively involved in lobbying and promoting the “Kashmir separatism activities” in the US.

In 2011, Fai was arrested by FBI and pleaded guilty to conspiracy and tax violations in connection with “decades-long scheme to conceal the transfer of at least $3.5 million from Pakistan to fund his lobbying efforts in America related to Kashmir.”

He was sentenced to two years jail in the case in 2012.

Meanwhile, the Budgam Police has reaffirmed its commitment to pursue criminal cases against individuals evading justice and arrest, whether within India or abroad, ensuring due legal process and judicial determination through proper trial.

J & K