The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — The Kashmir unit of the State Investigation Agency (SIA) has filed a charge sheet against Sarjan Ahmad Wagay, commonly known as Sarjan Barkati, along with his wife and Abdul Hamid Lone, an active militant of Hizbul Mujahideen believed to be based in Pakistan. The charge sheet was presented before the Special UAPA Court in Kulgam, according to the statement provided by SIA.

The case, registered on March 3, 2023, under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UA(P)A) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC), alleges that Sarjan Ahmad Wagay, a resident of Rebban, Zainapora, Shopian, was involved in a criminal conspiracy to promote militant and secessionist ideologies.

It is claimed that Wagay, also known as Sarjan Barkati, incited youth to join militant ranks through inflammatory speeches and received funds from suspicious sources, including his Pakistan-based handler, intended for militant activities.

The investigation revealed that Wagay, his wife, and their alleged handler in Pakistan generated funds amounting to INR 1.74 crores, which were purportedly used to support militant activities in Jammu and Kashmir. The trio maintained communication through secret messaging applications to execute their plans.

While two of the accused are in custody, the third remains at large in Pakistan. The charge sheet, presented within the statutory period of investigation and with government sanction, includes offences punishable under UA(P)A and IPC.

SIA stated that the investigation is ongoing to apprehend other suspects associated with the accused.

SHOPIAN — The State Investigation Agency (SIA) launched a series of raids across South Kashmir and Shopian district in particular on Wednesday, targeting locations linked to cases related to the 2016 unrest in the region.

According to the sources, the SIA, supported by local police and CRPF personnel, conducted searches across South Kashmir, including the residence of separatist leader Sarjan Barkati.

As of the filing of this report, the raids were ongoing, with authorities yet to disclose further details regarding the scope or outcomes of the operation.

SRINAGAR — Two days after noted religious clerics, Moulana Abdul Rashid Dawoodi and Mushtaq Ahmad Veeri were booked under Public Safety Act (PSA), now another popular religious preacher Sarjan Barkati has been arrested in Shopian district.

One of the family members of Barkati told the news agency KNO that he was arrested by police today at around 6:45 AM.

He said that since he was released, he hasn't taken part in protests, hasn't delivered any speech and they are unable to understand why he has been arrested now.

Notably, Barkati was released after four years of detention in October 2020 after he was arrested during the uprising following the killing of Hizb commander Burhan Wani in 2016.